http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070121/NEWS01/701210340/1002
Waynesboro? What state? Thanks Bob
Does that make it four in one week…? I can’t believe it!
I can! If they fix the track and equipment then the big wigs will not get the HUGE bonus they are used too.
Virginia
Raises an interesting question.
Even though the short line leasing the rails is responsible for maintaining that track, Liabilitywise when something like this happens near a house or business leaving a bystander injured, you just know they will sue the shortline AND the deep pocket (CSX) as well, and probably win.
Wonder if this will cause the lessor railroads to take a more proactive role in assuring the tenant operators inspect and maintain the plant?
Hopefully someone is inspecting that line, it is used by Amtrak for the Cardinal.
Although you would never know it from reading the news, most liability lawsuits are eventually settled for something close to the amount of actual damages.
Now this is interesting. I do wonder what in the world is going on with CSX?
First CSX had an accident in Rockchester, NY, then one in Irvine, KY, then one in Bullet Co, KY (which isn’t too far from me), then the last one in Waynesboro, VA. Well, CSX is going to have to pay a lot of money in damages just in this week alone. I will say this much, at least CSX is back up and runing trains in Bullet County, KY.
I’ve been a plaintiff’s witness in a sizeable wrongful death proceeding, and what you say ALL depends upon the fear factor.
If the deep pocket has sufficient cause to fear a “landmark” award (irrespective of any wrong doing, I might add) it is amazing how much they will pay just to see the threat “settle” and leave them alone
It becomes a business decision. giving away $2 million is seen as a more desireable outcome than possibly losing $20 million.
Hopefully yes. And hopefully that wasn’t a “coffeeshop” inspection.
I read somewhere (can’t recall where just now, that a train crew had reported a “spongey” feeling at the Anacostia Bridge before it was ultimately inspected and closed for repairs, too.
So I would be hesitant to give the RR too much credit for their “heads up” inspection policy, if that rumor is true.
Two Words -
Buckingham Branch
The Buckingham Branch Railroad is lessor to that section of track and is responsible for track maintenance on the line, not CSX.
Rumor is that it was possibly a broken wheel. Car was drug at least 18 miles before derailing.
Maybe after 4 wrecks in a week the FRA will get off its fat but and finally do something about the fact that CSX is the only class 1 RR out here that routinely cuts it ROW maintance budgets so its CEO’s and senior mangement members can get those million dollar bonuses at the end of the year.