Ernest Coppock and Dimetrius White, both individuals residing in Louisiana, have filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern Railway Company and Illinois Central Railroad Company. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana under the court case ID 2:24-cv-00944-GGG-JVM on April 16, 2024.
The plaintiffs, Coppock and White, were employees of the defendant companies at the time of the incident which forms the basis of this complaint. The incident occurred in Illinois Central Mays Yard, Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana where both plaintiffs were violently knocked about their locomotive engine due to a sudden jolt. The complaint alleges that they suffered significant injuries to their back and neck as a result.
Both plaintiffs have undergone medical treatment for their injuries and have lost time and wages from their employment. They continue to suffer from these injuries. The lawsuit claims damages exceeding $75,000 due to these losses.
The plaintiffs are seeking judgment under the provisions of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, 45 U.S.C. § 51, et seq., with jurisdiction over Norfolk Southern pursuant to 45 U.S.C. § 56, and 28 U.S.C. §1331. They also seek supplemental jurisdiction over Illinois Central Railroad Company under 28 U.S.C.§1367.