A yardmaster for Illinois Central Railroad has filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) suit, alleging his employer failed to provide him a safe place to work.
Travis Harrison claims while performing his work duties Oct. 24, 2006, he was injured.
Harrison claims he was driving in Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas, Inc.'s yard in Decatur when his truck fell into a hole, causing him to sustain severe and permanent injuries to his back, arms, shoulders, wrists, hands and knees.
According to Harrison, Illinois Central and Tate & Lyle's committed the following negligent acts:
Harrison also claims Illinois Central and Tate & Lyle's negligently violated Track Safety Standards 40 C.F.R. Section 213 by failing to inspect and maintain their tracks and roadbed.
In addition, Harrison alleges the defendants failed to support their track with material which would maintain proper track cross level, surface, and alignment, failed to maintain each drainage or other water carrying facility under or immediately adjacent to the roadbed to accommodate expected water flow for the area consumed and failed to conduct inspections of their track and roadbed following floods, severe storms, and washouts.
Harrison claims his various injuries caused and continue to cause pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement and disability, lost wages and became liable for medical expenses.
He also claims he has sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing condition.
Harrison is seeking a judgment in excess of $225,000.
He is represented by John Kujawski of O'Fallon.