Bridge welder makes FELA claim

A bridge welder for Norfolk Southern Railway filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 29, claiming he sustained repetitive trauma injuries.

Ronald Allred claims he began his career with Norfolk in 1976 and during his employment he was subjected to numerous repetitive traumas while repairing railroad tracks.

He claims the railroad negligently and carelessly failed to provide him a safe place to work, failed to provide safe methods of work, failed to provide sufficient manpower and failed to provide safe tools and equipment.

Allred claims he sustained permanent and severe injuries to his hands and wrists which caused and will continue to cause great pain and mental anguish, loss of earnings and to become liable for medical expenses.

Represented by Gregory Tobin of East Alton, Allred is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs of the suit.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron.

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