Dice v. Akron, Canton & Youngstown Railroad

*360Opinion of the Court by

Mr. Justice Black,

announced by Mr. Justice Douglas.

Petitioner, a railroad fireman, was seriously injured when an engine in which he was riding jumped tjie track. Alleging that his injuries were due to respondent’s negligence, he brought this action for damages under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, 35 Stat. 65, 45 U. S. C. § 51 et seq., in an Ohio court of common pleas. Respondent’s defenses were (1) a denial of negligence and (2) a written document signed by petitioner purporting to release respondent in full for $924.63. Petitioner admitted that he had signed…