Any company violating section 48:12-59 of this title shall be subject to a penalty of five hundred dollars and costs for each offense, to be recovered by any citizen of this state who may sue for the same in any court of competent jurisdiction. One-fifth of the fine shall go to the person suing for the same and four-fifths to the state treasurer for the use of the state.
In all suits or actions for injuries sustained by contact with an electrified third rail it shall be considered per se negligence on the part of the company defendant if the third rail is not protected in the manner provided in said section 48:12-59.
N.J.S. § 48:12-60