Switchman injured twice on ice sues railroad association

A switchman claims he was injured two separate times while working for a railroad – once after falling off a ladder and another time after slipping on ice.

Daniel Hudzik filed a lawsuit Oct. 6 in Madison County Circuit Court against Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis.

Hudzik claims that during the course of his career as a switchman he was injured when he slipped on the side ladder of a railcar on Dec. 8. In addition, he was hurt after he slipped and fell on ice near EJ Dougherty Oil and Supply in St. Louis on Dec. 18, according to the complaint.

Because of the falls, Hudzik sustained injuries to his back, neck, shoulder and hip; incurred medical costs; lost wages; and experienced pain, suffering and disabilities, the suit states. Hudzik also experienced an impaired ability to enjoy his normal pursuits of life, the complaint says.

Hudzik blames Terminal Railroad Association for allegedly failing to provide safe conditions for work, for failing to provide safe equipment, for failing to provide safe work methods, for failing to inspect and maintain its premises, for failing to warn Hudzik of dangerous conditions; for providing a defective ladder; and for failing to remove ice from its walkways.

In the two-count suit, Hudzik is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

John T. Papa of Callis, Papa, Hale, Szewczyk and Danzinger in Granite City will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-1068.