Zurich China pays $19.78m in US remote control lawsuit

A six-year-old boy in the US suffered stomach injuries after swallowing a remote battery.

Zurich General Insurance (China) has paid $19.78m (RMB141.28m) under a commercial liability policy after a lawsuit in the US involving a defective remote control.

The case began in April 2023, when the insured reported that a six-year-old boy in the US had suffered permanent stomach injuries in July 2022 after swallowing a battery from an exported air conditioner remote. 

The child's family sued the manufacturer for $125.2m. Zurich was the excess loss insurer for the company.

After reviewing the case and working with the client and its legal team, Zurich supported the defence strategy. 

To avoid the risk of a larger jury award, the parties agreed to settle the case for $40m.

Zurich confirmed the claim was covered under the policy. 

By 18 June 2025, the insurer had paid $19.78m (RMB141.28m), reaching the policy’s coverage limit. The case is now closed.