A lawsuit has been filed by Jason A. Branum against Norfolk Southern Railway Company, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Terry Butterfield, Terry M. Williams, Diane Barnett, and Thomas Bartley, Jr. Branum claims that he was injured while driving an NS pickup truck in Atlanta, Georgia, after he had to avoid a collision with a darkened NS locomotive coming across an unlit grade crossing. He alleges that the locomotive did not have lights on and did not sound the horn or bell, in violation of federal law and company operating rules. Branum reported the incident and injury, the unsafe conditions of the truck, and the unsafe operations of the locomotive to Butterfield and NS management as required. Branum is seeking damages for his injuries and other relief. Branum also reported the collision and Defendants’ actions to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and made a complaint with the regional director of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). However, Defendants held disciplinary hearings and terminated Branum's employment. The Secretary of Labor issued a merit finding against the Defendants for violating the Federal Railway Safety Act. Branum filed a lawsuit against NS and its officers and employees for negligence, violation of the Federal Railway Safety Act, retaliation, discrimination, and medical treatment interference. Branum seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as other relief deemed just and equitable.