Richard and Elizabeth Jones, individually and on behalf of the Estate of Sarah Jones v. CSX Transportation, et al.

Savanah, GA - Jury Finds for Plaintiffs On Wrongful Death Negligence Claim Against CSX



Richard and Elizabeth Jones, individually and on behalf of the Estate of Sarah Jones sued CSX Transportation, et al. on negligence theories claiming that the death of their daughter, who was killed when a CSX train, ran into the movie props that had been placed on the CSX track to shoot a scene for a movie.



CSX denied requests from the production company to use the railroad bridge to shoot the scene. The actors, including William Hurt, were not aware that they were trespassing. Several were hurt and Ms. Jones was run over by the locomotive.



Testimony during the trial showed that CSX personnel were aware of the filing activity but did not report the presence on the track of trespassers.



The director of the film pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter and served a year.

Plaintiffs' verdict for $11.9 million with a finding that CSX was 35% at fault meaning that CSX will be held liable for $3.9 million if not settled or reversed on appeal.