FELA suit filed by 34-year UP veteran

A 34-year veteran of Union Pacific Railroad filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit against the nation's largest railroad claiming he was subjected to numerous repetitive traumas while repairing railroad tracks.

Kenneth Carpenter claims that Union Pacific negligently failed to provide a reasonably safe place to work, failed to provide safe methods of work, failed to provide sufficient manpower and failed to provide safe tools and equipment.

The suit, filed in Madison County Circuit Court June 12, claims Carpenter sustained permanent and severe injuries to his back, neck, spine, shoulders, and knees, all of which have caused him to suffer great pain and mental anguish.

Carpenter also claims his injuries have caused him to lose money and earnings he otherwise would have earned, his earning capacity has been greatly diminished and he has and will be obligated for medical expenses as a result of his injuries.

Represented by Greg Tobin of Pratt & Tobin in East Alton, Carpenter is seeking a judgment against Union Pacific in excess of $50,000 and costs of the suit.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Don Weber.

06 L 511