D. C. Jackson v. Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company

In this action the appellee, D. C. Jackson, procured a judgment in the District Court on a jury’s verdict against the appellant, Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, for damages resulting from the settlement of waste oil escaping from the Railroad’s yard at Florence, South Carolina, upon the land of Jackson. Punitive as well as compensatory damages were allowed. The Railroad appeals, contending that the evidence failed to show negligence on its part or justification for an award of punitive damages.

Oil spillage from the operation of the yard was discharged or allowed to drain into an…