Date: 10-12-2000

Case Style: Donald French v. Norfolk Southern Railway Co.

Case Number: 48914

Judge: Unknown

Court: Circuit Court, Prince William County, Virginia

Plaintiff's Attorney: Francis P. Hajek of Wilson, Hajek & Shapiro, Virginia Beach, Virginia and Stephen M. Smith of Joseph Smith, Ltd., Hampton, Virginia

Defendant's Attorney: Aubrey R. Bowles, II of Bowles & Bowles, Richmond, Virginia

Description: Railroad Negligence Claim - Brain Damage and Fractures - Plaintiff was setting in a gas station he managed on May 2, 1997 when a Norfolk Southern train derailed because a switch had been left open by a Norfolk Southern employee. Mr. French was crushed in the rubble of the station sustaining open fractures. As time passed, he claimed that he had also sustained brain damage that prevented him from returning to his $70,000 a year job and that the injury destroyed his career.

Norfolk Southern admitted liability but contested damages.

Outcome: Plaintiff's verdict for $45.93 million.

Plaintiff's Experts: Unknown

Defendant's Experts: Unknown

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