$2 Billion Lawsuit Filed Against Travelers Insurance

A federal lawsuit was filed this week against Travelers Property Casualty Company of America, accusing the insurer of mishandling a wrongful death case. The suit alleges that Travelers’ decision not to settle the case earlier resulted in a substantial $241 million jury verdict against their client, Prairie Farms, in southern Illinois.

The 2016 Incident and Initial Verdict

The case originates from a 2016 incident involving Eric Johnson, a 64-year-old courier. Johnson was transporting strawberries packed with dry ice when carbon dioxide gas emitted from the dry ice filled his vehicle. He subsequently lost consciousness while driving and died days later.

Family Sues, Jury Awards $241 Million

Following Johnson’s death, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit. A Madison County jury ultimately awarded the family $241 million in damages.

New Lawsuit Alleges Insurance Company Control

Johnson’s widow has now filed a separate lawsuit directly against Travelers, claiming the company had multiple opportunities to settle the case before it went to trial. Attorneys representing Prairie Farms assert that the company was willing to reach a settlement that the Johnson family would have accepted.

Prairie Farms Expressed Desire to Settle

Patrick Salvi Jr., an attorney representing the plaintiffs, stated, “Prairie Farms… had a desire to resolve this case for an amount that the Johnson family would have accepted.” He further explained that the prolonged legal battle “was both the prolonging of the Johnson’s suffering… and ultimately a verdict and a judgment that caused substantial business harm to Prairie Farms.”

Travelers Controlled Settlement Funds

Lance Northcutt, another attorney involved in the case, emphasized that the final decision regarding settlement funds rested with the insurance company. “What we have now learned is that it was not Prairie Farms that refused to settle,” Northcutt said. “It was the insurance company, Travelers… They essentially controlled the spigot of funds that would be provided for a settlement.”

Legal Proceedings and Travelers’ Response

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois and will now proceed through the court system. FOX 32 has reached out to Travelers for comment but has not yet received a response.