Cases & Deals

BNSF obtains unanimous defense verdict in whistleblower lawsuit brought under Federal Railroad Safety Act

Client(s) BNSF Railway Company

Jones Day client BNSF Railway Company secured a unanimous defense verdict in a case involving claims brought under the whistleblower protections of the Federal Railroad Safety Act. Plaintiff alleged she was unlawfully terminated by BNSF in retaliation for reporting that she had been physically assaulted and injured while at work. Plaintiff sought reinstatement, back pay, attorney's fees, and significant compensatory and punitive damages. Following a week-long jury trial in federal court in Galveston, Texas, the jury returned a full defense verdict in favor of BNSF.

Howell v. BNSF Railway Co., No. 3:13-cv-00421 (S.D. Tex.)