United States Supreme Court
Case could affect Boilermaker members
A U.S. SUPREME Court ruling June 23 has implications for rail workers — including Boilermakers — who become injured on the job and seek compensation in court under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). In a 5-4 decision, the high court upheld lower court rulings that granted railroad engineer Robert McBride $184,000 in damages for a debilitating hand injury.
McBride’s employer, CSX Transport Inc., had argued that McBride must prove “proximate cause,” a form of proof typical in common-law cases. However, the District Court judge instructed the jury that if it found the carrier’s negligence played a part in the plaintiff’s injury “no matter how small,” then it could decide in favor of McBride. The judge’s instruction allowed a form of proof less severe than what CSX had sought.
When the jury found CSX liable, the company appealed to the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which agreed with the District Court decision, and the case was ultimately decided by the Supreme Court.
“This is a very important decision for our members and other rail workers,” said Danny Hamilton, Director of Railroad Division Services. “The Supreme Court has upheld the intent of FELA and rejected CSX’s attempt to make it more difficult for rail employees to receive damages.”
