Central of Georgia Railroad v. Swindle

Fletcher, Justice.

This case, Central of Ga. R. Co. v. Swindle, 194 Ga. App. 24 (389 SE2d 779) (1989), is here on certiorari. The jury awarded plaintiffappellee $875,000 in his action against his employer railroad under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). 45 USCA § 51 et seq. The question on certiorari is whether the verdict is either excessive or punitive.

Plaintiff is employed by defendant-appellant as a computer operator. On February 24, 1985, he slipped and fell in a bathroom on company premises, injuring his right shoulder. Initially, he did not think that the injury was serious…