UP engineer claims injuries after falling from broken seat

Union Pacific engineer Ed Schollmeyer, Jr. has filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit over injuries he sustained falling from a broken seat.

According to a complaint filed June 11 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Schollmeyer hurt his head and left arm, elbow and hand on Feb. 8 while working in the railroad's Dupo yard.

After his seat broke, Schollmeyer fell backwards striking his head and left upper extremity on the locomotive engine, the complaint states.

Represented by Mark P. Dupont of Dupo, Schollmeyer is seeking in excess of $200,000 in damages, plus costs of the suit.

Schollmeyer, who has been employed with the railroad since 1974, also alleges he suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of making highly repetitive arm, hand and shoulder motions.

Among other things, Schollmeyer claims the railroad failed to furnish him with a safe place to work.