2020 Wyoming Statutes
Title 37 - Public Utilities
Chapter 9 - Railroads
Article 3 - Fireguards; Fences; Injuries to Stock
Section 37-9-309 - Payment of Claims; Time; Interest; Costs.
37-9-309. Payment of claims; time; interest; costs.
(a) Any railroad corporation liable for the payment of claims for damages from fire and livestock killed or injured shall either pay or reject the claim within sixty (60) days after notice and evidence of the claim is furnished by the claimant. All claims shall include information necessary for the railroad to verify property damage, value of property damages, and propriety of claim with all supporting bills, when available. Claims shall not be deemed filed until the information has been received by the railroad. A claim which is not rejected or paid within sixty (60) days shall be deemed granted and shall constitute a lien upon the property of the railroad. Claims which are unpaid after sixty (60) days shall draw interest at the rate of eighteen percent (18%) per annum until paid, whether voluntarily or by court judgment and order.
(b) With respect to any property damage caused by a railroad, the court shall order the railroad corporation to pay the reasonable attorney fees and court costs incurred by a property owner if the court finds that the railroad corporation did not negotiate in good faith to establish the reasonable value of damages caused to the property owner by the railroad, or if the property owner was required to initiate legal proceedings against the railroad corporation to enforce a judgment for damages.
