FELA complaint filed against UP over alleged exposure to dangerous substances

A man is suing over claims his glioblastoma was caused by exposure to dangerous substances during his employment.

Glen Eckert filed a lawsuit May 5 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Union Pacific Railroad Company, citing the Federal Employers Liability Act.

According to the complaint, Eckert was diagnosed with glioblastoma in January 2013 and learned it was caused by the alleged negligence of the defendant when, during his employment with Union Pacific Railroad Company, Eckert was exposed to dangerous substances like herbicides, second-hand tobacco smoke and coal tar pitch volatiles, among others. The defendant is accused of failing to provide the plaintiff with a safe place to work.

Eckert is seeking more than $50,000 in damages. He is being represented in the case by attorney William P. Gavin.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 14L318.