Union Pacific car man claims injuries repairing coal hopper

A former employee of Union Pacific Railroad Company is suing after sustaining an on the job injury.

Idus D. Cleveland filed a lawsuit June 11 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Union Pacific Railroad Company, citing negligence.

Cleveland claims he was working for the defendant as a car man was he was injured July 27, 2011. The suit alleges a jack handle broke while Cleveland was repairing a coal hopper car, causing him serious injuries. According to the complaint, the defendant failed to provide Cleveland a safe working environment, safe equipment or tools and failed to provide adequate training and protection from injuries.

Cleveland is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and court costs. He is being represented by Alton attorneys Ted N. Gianaris and G. Michael Stewart of Simmons Browder Gianaris Angelides and Barnerd LLC.

St. Clair Circuit Court case number 14L496.