A District Judge in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, has passed an order that rejects Norfolk Southern Railway’s claims. The railway authority had attempted to get over $14 million in compensation for legal fees they paid for defending themselves in a lawsuit by CSX Transportation.

The lawsuit by CSX Transportation claimed that Norfolk Southern Railway was unlawfully restricting access to a central marine terminal in Virginia.

 Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Davis passed the ruling. He also claimed that judges could use their discretionary power to grant compensation for legal fees. Their ability came from a Virginia business-conspiracy state law. However, the judge also stated that such awards were not automatic. 

The initial lawsuit originated with CSX as the plaintiff. It alleged that Norfolk Southern Railway’s anticompetitive practices were trying to limit competition. The case stated that the monopolistic dealings were affecting competition for access on the on-dock rails of Norfolk International Terminals. 

The terminals in question are the largest container ship dock managed by the Virginia Port Authority. Through the lawsuit, CSX was seeking millions of dollars in damages from Norfolk Southern.

However, Judge Davis ruled against the claims made by CSX on antitrust practices by the Railway. He said that the allegations did not come within the four-year legal window. Therefore, the lawsuit was rejected for being time-barred. CSX has also filed for an appeal on the dismissal of its case. 

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