FELA suit blames awkward equipment for trackman's injuries

CSX Transportation, Inc. has been sued an employee who claims he was required to work with unsafe, heavy, awkward, vibrating and torquing equipment.

In a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit filed Oct. 9 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Greg Mechling claims he sustained occupationally caused low back and neck injuries which have caused him pain, suffering and mental anguish.

Mechling, a trackman, claims his injuries were initially manifested in 2005, and later diagnosed in December 2006. The suit claims Mechling has not worked since May 2006.

Represented by Daniel R. Francis of St. Louis, Mechling claims he has lost wages in excess of $300,000.