Railroader claims he developed lung cancer after toxic exposure

Union Pacific Railroad switchman and yardmaster Jerry Brown claims he developed lung cancer as a result of exposure to toxic substances during a career that spanned 43 years.

According to a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit filed April 22 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Jerry Brown claims he was exposed to diesel exhaust, environmental tobacco smoke and/or asbestos which has caused, in whole or in part, him to develop cancer.

He claims a substantial portion of his exposure to toxic substances occurred in St. Clair County.

Brown, who worked from 1960 until 2003, claims the railroad is negligent for failing to provide him a reasonably safe place to work, failing to provide adequate equipment, exposing him to do diesel exhaust and/or asbestos, failing to warn him of the hazards of diesel exhaust and/or asbestos and permitting unsafe work practices to become routine work practices.

Represented by William P. Gavin of the Gavin Law Firm in Belleville, Brown is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages plus costs of the suit.