Former railroad worker sues over injuries

A former Norfolk Southern Railway Company employee has filed suit against the company, alleging his spine, knees and body were injured because of his work as a boilermaker.

Theodore G. Porter claims he worked for the railroad from 1974 until 2008, and was injured when he was subjected to numerous repetitive traumas while working, according to the complaint filed Nov. 17 in Madison County Circuit Court.

In addition to his injuries, Porter suffered great pain and mental anguish, lost money and incurred medical expenses, the suit states.

Porter alleges Norfolk Southern Railway Company was negligent because it failed to provide safe and suitable tools and equipment, failed to furnish him with necessary equipment, protective equipment and supervision and failed to warn him of hazardous conditions.

The company also negligently allowed unsafe practices to become a standard practice, assigned Porter work and duties it should have known would injure him, failed to provide a safe place to work, failed to provide safe methods of work and failed to furnish sufficient manpower, according to the complaint.

Porter 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: 08-L-1093.