Ammons v. Canadian National Ry. Co.

Summary

The court held that sections 55 and 60 of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act do not prohibit a railroad employer from asserting a counterclaim against employees for property damage allegedly caused by their negligence. Applying the statutory text, ejusdem generis, the employer’s common-law rights, federal appellate authority, and congressional silence, the court concluded that a counterclaim neither exempts the railroad from FELA liability nor prevents employees from providing information about an injury. The court reversed the appellate court and remanded for further proceedings.