Railroad worker claims carpal tunnel syndrome

A former BNSF Railway Company employee has filed suit against the railroad, claiming he developed bilateral carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve syndrome.

Doug Newton began working for the railroad in April 1994 as a trackman and welder, and his work duties led to his condition, according to the complaint filed Oct. 27 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

In addition to his injuries, Newton claims he suffered a disability, great pain and mental anguish and has lost earnings.

He has also incurred substantial medical costs and his earning capacity has been diminished, according to the complaint.

He claims BNSF Railway Company was negligent because it failed to provide him with a safe place to work, failed to provide him with proper tools and equipment, failed to provide safe work methods, failed to provide adequate manpower and failed to provide adequate supervision and training.

In addition the railroad negligently failed to warn Newton about the risk of the development of cumulative trauma, the suit states.

In the two-count suit, Newton is seeking a judgment in excess of $100,000, plus costs of the suit.

Newton will be represented by Paul T. Slocomb and David L. Blunt of Blunt Slocomb in St. Louis.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 08-L-545.