Working on the railroad causes back problems

A man who suffers from a degenerative spinal condition filed suit against his employer of 31 years, blaming Union Pacific Railroad for the current condition of his back.

Harold Link filed a Federal Employee Liability Act (FELA) suit against the railroad in St. Clair County Circuit Court March 16 alleging injuries from repetitive lifting of heavy objects, lifting and carrying heavy and awkwardly-shaped objects, walking on uneven surfaces, dismounting moving equipment, bending, twisting, and operating switches that were poorly maintained.

Represented by William Gavin of Belleville, Link is seeking at least $100,000 in damages.

Link claims Union Pacific failed to provide him with a reasonably safe place to work and adequate equipment to protect his back. He also alleges that UP did not equip locomotives with ergonomically safe seats and failed to warn him of the ergonomic risks of his job duties.

Due to UP's alleged negligence, Link claims he developed a degeneration of his spine which causes him to suffer great pain and disability, mental anguish, and extreme nervousness as a result of his reasonable concern over his injury.

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