Michael Pope v. Southern Pacific Transportation Co., Union Pacific Railroad Company
Published: Jan. 1, 2000 | Result Date: Sep. 3, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: CIVS970226DFLGGH Verdict – $3,383,330
Judge
Court
USDC Eastern
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Defendant
John P. Cotter
(Diepenbrock & Cotter LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
W. Bradford DeLong
(medical)
Barry Ben-Zion Ph.D.
(technical)
Mark E. Hambly
(medical)
Richard R. Koch
(medical)
Fred Cox
(medical)
Defendant
Melinda Sells
(technical)
H.B. Morgan
(medical)
Candy Girard
(technical)
Facts
On March 17, 1994, plaintiff Michael Pope, age 53, was injured while attempting to "throw" a defective railroad switch in Anderson. He was employed for 26 years at the defendant Southern Pacific Transportation Co. as a conductor. The plaintiff sued the defendant Union Pacific as a successor in interest to the Southern Pacific, for negligence and violation of applicable regulations of the Federal Railroad Administration.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a settlement demand for $1.5 million. Defendandant made an offer for $1,380,000.
Specials in Evidence
$245,0006 $128,950.50 $613,000 $21,400
Injuries
The plaintiff suffered low back injury, requiring surgery.
Other Information
The plaintiff obtained a summary judgment on liability before trial. The verdict was reached approximately two years and six months after the case was filed.
Deliberation
14 hours over three days
Poll
8-0
Length
13 days
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