Union Pacific laborer claims injury from being overworked

A Union Pacific laborer who claims he was injured on the job after working 27 consecutive hours filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit in Madison County Circuit Court on May 22.

Russell R. Baucum claims he sustained severe and permanent injuries to his heart and body on Dec. 5, 2006, at or near Mitchell, Ill. while repairing railroad tracks.

Baucum, represented by Gregory M. Tobin of Pratt & Tobin in East Alton, is seeking in excess of $100,000 in damages.

According to the complaint, Baucum was overworked without sufficient rest.

Baucum also claims the railroad failed to provide 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.