Court Overturns JNOV for Pipeline Owner but Orders New Trial on Liability for Diesel Injury

LOS ANGELES — A California appellate court has vacated judgment notwithstanding the verdict for Equilon Enterprises LLC on its bid for indemnification for a diesel injury to a railroad worker but affirmed the trial court’s alternative order for a new trial.

The Second Appellate District ruled that while the jury that found for an Equilon contractor had sufficient reason to do so, the trial judge’s alternative new trial order was not an abuse of discretion.

At issue in this case is the parties' respective liabilities for lung injuries suffered by a railroad worker from a leak in a diesel …