MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

A man says his hands, arms, wrists, neck and spine were injured after spending years working around ergonomically unsafe equipment.

Tyrone Jourdan filed a lawsuit Aug. 27 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Union Pacific Railroad Company.

Jourdan claims he has worked for Union Pacific since 1969 throughout several states, including Illinois.

During his employment, Jourdan was required to work with tools that were not ergonomically designed to reduce risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders from which he now suffers, according to the complaint.

Jourdan blames Union Pacific for a number of negligent acts, including its failure to provide Jourdan with safe conditions and its requirement that Jourdan perform job duties that involve forceful, repetitive use of his hands, arms, wrists, neck and spine in awkward positions.

Because of his injuries caused by his work, Jourdan may have to undergo surgery, the suit states. In addition, he has experienced severe pain and suffering, suffered psychological and emotional injury, mental anguish and anxiety, incurred medical costs, lost substantial wages and fringe benefits and will forever be seriously impaired, the complaint says.

Jourdan is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Roger C. Denton and Richard J. Zalasky of Schlichter, Bogard and Denton in St. Louis will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-451.