Traveling electrician sues Union Pacific

A former railroad worker has filed suit against his previous employer, claiming he was injured after being forced to climb without proper equipment.

Jimmy R. Green claims he worked as a traveling electrician for Union Pacific Railroad Company from 1980 until 1997.

While working for the railroad, Green was routinely ordered to perform climbing maneuvers up telephone poles that resulted in his exposure to continuing cumulative and repetitive trauma to various parts of his body, including his knees and lower extremities, according to the complaint filed May 20 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Because of his work, Green sustained pain, suffering, permanent disfigurement and disability and lost wages, the suit states. He also experienced a permanent impairment of his earning capacity and of his ability to enjoy life and incurred medical expenses, the complaint says.

"Plaintiff's injuries and damages are permanent, painful and progressive," the suit states.

A few of Union Pacific's negligent acts include its failure to furnish Green with a safe place to work, its failure to provide proper supervision and instruction and a safe work method to Green, its failure to use mechanical lifting devices and its failure to provide Green with adequate pole climbing spurs and spikes. He also claims he had to use pole climbing spurs and spikes that torqued and stressed his knees.

Green is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and pre-judgment interest.

He is represented by John P. Kujawski of Kujawski and Associates in O'Fallon.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-260.