Jeffrey T. Caniff v. Csx Transportation, Inc.

Summary

The Kentucky Supreme Court reversed summary judgment for CSXT in Caniff’s FELA negligence action because the record, viewed favorably to Caniff, presented material factual disputes about whether CSXT negligently required him to transport a heavy knuckle without sufficient assistance. The court also held that expert testimony was not required because the alleged negligence and resulting injury were within the common knowledge and experience of lay jurors, although expert testimony could be permitted. Chief Justice Minton, dissenting, would have affirmed because the adequacy of railroad manpower and equipment was an industry-specific issue outside ordinary juror knowledge.