Union Pacific named in FELA suit

Train engineer Harold A. Thompson of East Carondelet claims he injured his back after landing on a seat during rough track conditions on June 9, 2006, according to a suit filed against Union Pacific Railroad.

Represented by Mark P. Dupont of Dupo, Thompson is seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages under the Federal Employers' Liability Act and the Boiler Inspection Act.

He claims the railroad failed to provide him with reasonably safe work conditions.

Among other things, the suit also claims Union Pacific failed to keep its tracks, track bed and related structures up to applicable requirements and failed to have proper slow orders in place in the area where the incident occurred to slow the trains to a speed that would not permit the engines to suddenly drop, move or lurch while the train was being operated.

The train was traveling from Dupo to the quarries at Gads Hill, Mo.

"As a result...plaintiff suffered injuries to his lower back and lower extremities including but not limited to the lumbosacral spine and the structures adjacent thereto and/or aggravation of any pre-existing condition such as degenerative disk disease," the complaint states.