Noise generated by whistles, steam generators and diesel engines has prompted a railroad worker suffering from hearing loss to sue his employer of 35 years.
Michael Walters, who filed a complaint in St. Clair County Circuit Court Dec. 16, claims Illinois Central Railroad violated the Federal Employers Liability Act by failing to provide him with a safe place to work.
He also claims ICR failed to test noise levels, failed to test employees for hearing loss, failed to prepare a safe system for dealing with high noise levels in engines and failed to exercise adequate care for the health and safety of employees.
According to Walters, he has lost wages, experienced pain and suffering, has become disabled and is liable for medical expenses.
"At all times, Walters was unaware of the true nature of his latent, abnormal and progressively deteriorating medical condition," the suit states.
Walters is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus all costs of the suit.
He is represented by Michael K. Nowak of Kujawski & Nowak of O'Fallon.
05 L 733 (20th Circuit)
Noisy work conditions prompts railroad worker to sue for hearing loss
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY