Railroad warning signals failed, suit says

Matthew J. Daugherty is suing Western-Cullen-Hayes Inc., the makers of railroad crossing warning equipment, for severe injuries he sustained two years ago when his vehicle was struck by an Amtrak train in Brighton.

According to a suit filed Oct. 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, the flashing light crossing signals, crossing gates, cantilevers, bells and electric switch lamps failed to operate properly where David Lane crosses the track. The incident took place Oct. 26, 2004, as Daugherty was traveling west on David Lane.

Daugherty claims he suffered head, forehead, nose, left shoulder, left arm, left wrist, left hand, left fingers, neck, back and lung injuries as a result of the equipments' malfunction.

Represented by Thomas Cannady of Keehner, Cannady & Katz of Belleville, Daugherty is seeking in excess of $750,000 in damages, costs and for such other and further relief.

He claims he has become obligated in the past for hospital and medical expense resulting from his injuries and will be obligated in the future to expend large sums of money for necessary medical care and treatment for said injuries.