Spinal injuries claimed in worker's suit against BNSF

A BNSF Railway Company employee claims he suffered spinal problems after working for the railroad.

Gary Bremer filed a lawsuit Nov. 12 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against BNSF Railway Compnay.

Bremer claims he has worked as a conductor for the company since 1979. His job requires him to ride on equipment and locomotives that cause excessive stress and damage to his lower back and spine, according to the complaint.

Because of his work for BNSF, Bremer suffered cumulative low-back and spine trauma, causing him to under go severe pain and suffering and to incur medical costs. In addition, he suffered psychological and emotional injuries, mental anguish and anxiety and lost wages and benefits, the suit states.

In his complaint, Bremer blames BNSF for a number of negligent acts, including its failure to provide a safe work place, its failure to provide safe conditions, safe equipment and safe methods, its failure to take action to reduce the amount of cumulative trauma to which Bremer was exposed, its requirement that Bremer be exposed to cumulative trauma and its failure to inspect occupational cumulative trauma.

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

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

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-608.