Supreme Court Reinstates $6.2M Verdict for Injured Rail Worker

The Iowa Supreme Court Friday reinstated a $6.2 million jury award to a railroad worker who was seriously injured in a 2017 workplace incident. Scott Olson, a BNSF Railway Co. section foreman, was working on a repair project on a bridge when a rail “exploded under pressure,” slicing his left hand and fracturing his left leg, according to the ruling. Olson sued BNSF for negligence, and a jury in 2021 found the company to be 100% at fault. The company appealed, alleging misconduct by Olson’s attorney during closing arguments. A lower appellate court ruled for BNSF and remand...