Alton & Southern switchman claims back injuries in locomotive collision

Alton & Southern Railway switchman DeMarlo Muhammad filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit claiming back injuries as a result of being struck by a locomotive while working aboard rail equipment on March 9, 2007.

Represented by Jerome J. Schlichter of Schlichter, Bogard & Denton of Belleville, Muhammad is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages.

According to the suit filed Jan. 22 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, the railroad failed to provide Muhammad with a reasonably safe place to work, failed to provide adequate assistance, failed to warn him that another train was approaching on the track occupied by Muhammad's locomotive and failed to sound the locomotive whistle to allow him to take necessary precautions to avoid injury.

Muhammad claims he has lost wages, and will continue to lose wages, earning capacity and fringe benefits. He also claims medical expenses, pain, suffering and emotional distress.