MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

A former Norfolk Southern Railway Company employee claims he was injured because of work he performed for the company.

Throughout Gary E. Wingfield's work for Norfolk Southern from 1970 through 2007, he was subjected to numerous repetitive traumas that caused him injury, according to the complaint filed Feb. 12 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of his work, Wingfield sustained severe and permanent injuries to his spine, hips and body and has suffered great pain and mental anguish, the suit states.

Wingfield claims he also lost money and earnings, experienced a diminished earning capacity and incurred medical expenses.

Norfolk Southern was negligent by failing to provide safe and suitable tools and equipment, by failing to furnish Wingfield with reasonably necessary and proper equipment and personal protective equipment, by failing to furnish Wingfield with proper supervision and by failing to warn Wingfield of hazardous conditions, according to the complaint.

Norfolk Southern also negligently allowed unsafe practices to become the standard practice, assigned Wingfield work it knew would result in injury and it knew was beyond his physical capacity, failed to provide a reasonably safe place to work, failed to provide a reasonably safe method of work and failed to furnish sufficient manpower to perform the task assigned, the suit states.

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

Gregory M. Tobin of East Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0115.