Myers v. Reading Co., 331 U.S. 477 (1947)

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Myers v. Reading Company

No. 367

Argued February 6, 1947
Decided June 2, 1947
331 U.S. 477

CERTIORARI TO THE CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS

FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT

Syllabus

1. In this action under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, by an employee against a carrier to recover damages for personal injuries alleged to have been caused by the defendant’s use, in violation of the Safety Appliance Acts, of a freight car not equipped with efficient hand brakes, the evidence at the trial, with the inferences that the jury justifiably could draw from it, was sufficient to support the verdict for the plaintiff, and it was error to enter judgment for the defendant notwithstanding the verdict. Pp. 478-486.

2. Although a carrier is not subject under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act to an absolute liability to its employees for injuries, it is subject to liability for injuries resulting from a violation of its absolute duty to comply with the Safety Appliance Acts. P. 485.

155 F.2d 523 reversed.

Notwithstanding a verdict for the plaintiff in a suit under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act and the Safety Appliance Acts, the District Court entered judgment for the defendant. 63 F.Supp. 817. The Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed. 155 F.2d 523. This Court granted certiorari. 329 U.S. 699. Reversed, p. 486.