Railroad Carman Wins $1.1M Verdict
January 29, 2007
A man who was severely injured and nearly crushed under a railcar in an accident has been awarded $1.1 million by a federal jury.
The man, Reginald Booker, had worked at CSX Railroad in Grand Rapids, Michigan for 24 years until he was disabled in the accident in September 2003.
“For West Michigan, I believe it is a significant verdict,” said Steven Kantor, Booker’s attorney. West Michigan is a very conservative region. “But I believe it’s the right verdict.”
The jury had originally awarded Booker $1.4 million, but that amount was lowered 25 percent because of “contributory negligence” on his own part.
The Accident
Booker inspected and repaired railcars at the railyard. He was under a hopper car, which is used to transport granular materials, when it fell off its jacks crushing Booker.
“It would have crushed him to death, had it not been for the pockets in the car that partially protected him,” said Kantor.
Booker suffered serious vertebrae, pelvis, and nerve injuries, and can no longer work. As a result, booker limps and relies on a cane.
According to the plaintiff, CSX supervisors at the yard should have been watching booker work, and they should have warned him of any jack placement problems that could occur. They did not.
Booker said he was pleased with the verdict.
“I just want to get on with my life,” he said.
Injured while Working on a Railroad or at a Railyard?
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed while working on a railroad or railyard, and it was not completely your fault, under FELA, you are entitled to recover compensation for your losses. Please contact us today for a free consultation with an effective and reputable FELA attorney who can help you plan the best course of action.
