Trackman's estate sues Alton and Southern Railway for workplace fatality

The executrix of the estate of a former Alton and Southern Railway Company employee has filed suit against the company, alleging the employee was killed while cutting ties for the railroad.

Shenetha Johnson claims Jordan Johnson, Jr., was working as a laborer/trackman for Alton and Southern on June 16 when the incident happened.

The accident caused Jordan great pain and mental anguish before he died, according to the complaint filed Oct. 24 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Jordan's death caused him to lose money and earnings and terminated his earning capacity, the suit states.

In addition, Shenetha claims his family was forced to incur medical and funeral expenses.

Shenetha claims Alton and Southern was negligent because it failed to provide a safe place to work, failed to provide safe methods of work, failed to provide sufficient manpower and failed to provide safe tools and equipment.

Shenetha is seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

Gregory M. Tobin of Pratt and Tobin in East Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 087-L-997.