7th Circuit Rejects Worker's Attempt to Use Res Ipsa Loquitur in FELA Claim

The U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of an injured railway worker’s claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act for his injuries from a malfunctioning drill. Case: Ruark v. Union Pacific Railroad Co., No. 17-2429, 02/20/2019, published. Facts: Danny Ruark worked for the Union Pacific Railroad Co. He suffered injuries at work in September 2013 when a hydraulic rail drill malfunctioned and sprayed him with hot oil. Procedural history: Ruark filed a claim against Union under the Federal Employers Liability Act in March 2014. In June 2016, Ruark began a prison s...