Document: 329 U.S. 649 67 S.Ct. 598 91 L.Ed. 572 ELLISv.UNION PAC. R. CO. No. 320. Argued Jan. 16, 17, 1947. Decided Feb. 3, Mr. George Mecham, of Omaha, Neb., for petitioner. Robert B. Hamer, respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion Court. 1 Petitioner was crushed between a moving railroad car and building while working respondent as an engine foreman in charge switching crew. Damages personal injuries were sought Nebraska state court under Federal Employers Liability Act, 35 Stat. 65, amended, 45 U.S.C. § 51 et seq., U.S.C.A. seq. Judgment rendered petitioner on jury verdict $10,000, but appeal Supreme Court reversed insufficiency evidence to show negligence, ordered complaint dismissed. 146 Neb. 397, 19 N.W.2d 641; 22 305. We granted certiorari because appa ent conflict that decision Lavender v. Kurn, 327 645, 66 740. 2 Petitioner's tended following: Petitioner, aged 41, had been employ only one year, total experience two or three years. Just before sunset March 15, 1943, he engaged, along with other members his crew, backing box around curve spur track where visibility obstructed by located inside near middle curve. He standing ground same side right engine, controlling operations hand signals engineer. Engine foremen frequently stand engineer's cab. A switchman curve, out sight engineer, loading platform at which be 'spotted'. moved attempt central position from could receive relay them As past petitioner, it caught pinned upper part body against wall building, causing serious injuries. The situation deceptive overhang its tilt toward resulting higher outside rail, reduced clearance materially. In fact, place short segment arc insufficient. unfamiliar area hazards; if there sign warning danger, did not see it; no effort made warn him personally. nearness created unsafe work. Though engineer experienced worker thoroughly familiar this particular spur, though duty watch continuously stop engine,1 failed either time avert tragedy. During operation when saw petitioner's foot twisted ground, stopped train. 3 Respondent's evidence, hand, establish inconsistent statements, actually appeared worked number times. clearance, once adequate, impaired subsequent extension over control. Neither nor pitch unusual. Respondent maintained, some eight feet above prominent, legible reading 'Impaired Clearance'. It required desirable track; equally well have performed functions left, safe, engine. switchman, necessary since would himself approached platform. aware precise hazard; distance (about 60 feet) configuration such apparent peril. That vigilant is somewhat supported fact train miles hour almost instantly, within 12 14 inches, building. 4 From evid nce might concluded safe work elected choose dangerous one, any fully discharged presence sign, negligent way. view case accident unforeseeable, freak event caused solely own negligence. On unreasonable triers inferred proper usual procedure hazard radily nature trap, placed so readily visible train, insufficient man consequently furnished work.2 And thought failing perceive peril stopping Again, both parties found negligent, jury, trial judge charged, render based upon damages respondent's negligence diminished proportion attributable 53, 53. 5 Act does make employer insurer safety employees they are duty. basis liability occur. must 'in whole part' cause injury. 51, 51. Brady Southern Ry. Co., 320 476, 484, 64 232, 236, 88 239. Whether those standards satisfied federal question, rights being rights. supra; Bailey Central Vermont 319 350, 63 1062, 87 1444. 6 choice conflicting versions way happened, witness telling truth, inferences drawn uncontroverted controverted facts, questions jury. Tennant Peoria & P.U.R. 321 29, 409, 520; supra. Once reasonable record concluding injury, irrelevant fair-minded men reach different conclusion. For then invasion jury's function appellate draw contrary conclude conclusion more reasonable. supra, page 652, 743. where, here, turns facts credibility witnesses, peculiarly Washington Georgetown Co. McDade, 135 554, 572, 10 1044, 1049, 34 235; Tiller Atlantic Coast Line 318 54, 68, 444, 451, 610, 143 A.L.R. 967. 7 think raised substantial determine returned. 8 Reversed. member crew all times motion. At undisputed testimony indicated see. testified watched continuously. carrier furnish 'is relieved employee's question fleeting infrequent.' 353, 1064,

Category: 7