BNSF worker claims he inhaled deleterious substances in FELA suit

A railroad worker filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit claiming was exposed to and was caused to inhale asbestos fibers, free silica, diesel fumes, solvent fumes, gasoline fumes, fibrogenic materials and other substances harmful to his respiratory system.

According to a suit filed by Robert Thompson July 27 in Madison County Circuit Court, he worked for BNSF Railway in Illinois and other states.

Thompson claims his exposure to the substances caused him to suffer from an occupationally-related lung disease including COPD and other serious pulmonary diseases.

He also claims he has moderate-to-severe lung defects along with mild restrictive lung defect and impairment.

"The injuries, disease and disability of the Plaintiff were caused by exposure to deleterious substances while working for the Defendant during his employment," the complaint states.

Thompson claims BNSF failed to provide a safe place to work, failed to provide safe conditions, failed to provide safe equipment and failed to provide sufficient help.

He claims his injuries caused great physical pain and suffering, inconvenience, nervous and emotional tension, lost wages and medical expenses.

Represented by David Francis of St. Louis, Thompson is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian.

07 L 678