In the case of Union Pacific Railroad Company v. Burke, the Supreme Court in 1920 ruled on a dispute involving an employee's injury claim against his employer, Union Pacific Railroad Company. The plaintiff, Mr. Burke, was injured while working for the railroad company and sought compensation under federal law - specifically the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). However, he had previously received compensation from a state industrial accident board for this same injury. The court held that accepting such payment did not preclude him from seeking additional damages under FELA as it is separate legislation with different provisions and protections than those provided by state laws or regulations governing workers' compensation claims. Therefore, despite having accepted some form of recompense at a state level already for his injuries sustained during employment with Union Pacific Railroad Company; Mr.Burke was still entitled to pursue further legal action federally under FELA.

The dissenting opinion in the case of Union Pacific Railroad Company v. Burke argued that the majority's decision to uphold a lower court ruling, which held the railroad company liable for injuries sustained by an employee due to negligence on part of another employee, was incorrect. The dissenters believed that this interpretation expanded employer liability beyond what was intended under federal law (the Federal Employers' Liability Act). They contended that employers should not be held responsible for all accidents occurring during work hours, especially when they are caused by fellow employees and not directly related to management decisions or actions. This view suggested a more limited scope of employer responsibility and emphasized individual accountability among workers.