Conductor claims carpal tunnel syndrome in suit

Illinois Central Railroad conductor Edward Brueggemann filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit claiming that his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome might have been caused by exposure to repetitive trauma associated with work activities.

Brueggemann, who worked for the railroad for more than 40 years, claims he was routinely exposed to repetitive movements, including but not limited to throwing switches, giving signals, carrying items and grabbing onto and holding onto ladders in getting on and off stationary and/or moving trains.

According to the suit filed April 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Brueggemann claims the railroad failed to provide him with a reasonably safe place to work. He also claims his employer assigned him to perform physical tasks that were beyond his physical capabilities.

Represented by Paul W. Johnson of Kujawski & Associates of O'Fallon, Brueggemann is seeking in excess of $50,000 in damages plus costs of the suit.