Javier Lopez v. BNSF Railway Company

Summary

A California state court jury awarded roughly $469,000 on January 7 to a former BNSF conductor who sought millions of dollars in damages after being thrown from his caboose following a train derailment.

The Orange County jury returned their verdict following a lengthy trial. Plaintiff Javier Lopez accused his former employer of responsibility for a range of injuries that he claims left him unable to work, however while BNSF conceded liability for the derailment itself they argued it occurred at too slow a speed to cause any serious injuries.

Outcome

Past economic damages totaling: $4,300. (11/1)
Future economic damages totaling: $128,848. (11/1)
Past non-economic damages totaling: $335,400. (11/1)
Future non-econominc damages totaling: $0. (12/12)