Family sues Norfolk and Southern for woman's death

WAYNE -- A father and his two children are suing Norfolk and Southern Corporation for the death of a woman who was struck by a train.

On Dec. 2, 2008, Samantha Fields was the operator of a vehicle in which Abbie Lynn Fields was a passenger and was heading south on U.S. 152 in Wayne when she collided with a train owned and operated by the defendant, according to a complaint filed March 1 in Wayne Circuit Court.

Abbie Lynn Fields, Ronnie Fields and Zachary Lyle Fields claim the train lights were not on at the time of the accident and the train crossing had no lights or warning devices and was inadequately lit, which caused Samantha Fields' death and Abbie Lynn Fields' injuries.

The defendant caused Abbie Lynn Fields severe physical pain and mental anguish; substantial aggravation and inconvenience; loss of capacity to enjoy life; and loss of parental consortium due to the death of her mother, according to the suit.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Donald R. Jarrell.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Darrell Pratt.

Wayne Circuit Court case number: 12-C-054