Napoli Shkolnik Secures $21.8 Million Verdict Against Norfolk Southern in Toxic Exposure Case

Jury Finds Railroad 48% Liable for Maintenance Worker's Leukemia Despite Defendant's Attempt to Blame Smoking Exclusively

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National trial law firm Napoli Shkolnik PLLC today announced a significant victory in Estate of Randall Redford v. Norfolk Southern Railway Company, with a jury awarding $21,800,000 in damages to the estate of a longtime railroad worker who developed Acute Myeloid Leukemia after decades of exposure to diesel exhaust and creosote.

The verdict, delivered by trial attorney and partner, Chris Schnieders, of Napoli Shkolnik, supported by partner Patrick Haines, represents a major win for railroad workers seeking accountability for occupational toxic exposures. Despite Norfolk Southern's aggressive defense strategy that sought to attribute 100% of the blame to the plaintiff's smoking history, the jury determined the railroad was 48% responsible for Mr. Redford's devastating illness.
"This verdict sends a clear message that railroad companies cannot escape responsibility for exposing their workers to dangerous carcinogens by simply pointing to other risk factors," said Chris Schnieders. "While the jury appropriately considered all contributing factors, they recognized that Norfolk Southern's failure to protect Randall Redford from daily toxic exposures played a substantial role in his cancer diagnosis and suffering."

Case Background

Randall Redford dedicated 38 years of his life to Norfolk Southern, working as a maintenance of way worker. Throughout his career, Mr. Redford was exposed daily to diesel exhaust and creosote—both known carcinogens—as an inherent part of his job duties.
In 2019, Mr. Redford was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and immediately began chemotherapy. His condition required a stem cell transplant in 2020, which initially resulted in remission. Tragically, the cancer recurred in 2024, and Mr. Redford passed away shortly thereafter.
The damages awarded compensate the estate for Mr. Redford's medical expenses, pain and suffering, and mental anguish endured from his 2019 diagnosis through 2024.

Key Verdict Details

The jury apportioned fault as follows:

• Norfolk Southern: 48% liable for occupational exposure to diesel exhaust and creosote
• Plaintiff: 52% contributory fault due to a 40+ year smoking history of one to two packs per day

Critically, the jury rejected Norfolk Southern's central defense argument that Mr. Redford's smoking was the sole cause of his leukemia, instead recognizing the substantial role of workplace toxic exposures in causing his disease.

About Napoli Shkolnik PLLC
Napoli Shkolnik PLLC is a leading national plaintiff's law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals harmed by corporate negligence, dangerous products, and toxic exposures. With a proven track record in railroad worker injury cases, environmental litigation, and occupational disease claims, the firm has recovered billions of dollars for injured workers and their families.

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Ami Dviri
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SOURCE Napoli Shkolnik