CSX engineer claims spinal condition in FELA suit

A former CSX Transportation locomotive engineer claims he suffers from a degenerative spinal condition because of his work for the railroad.

Monty L. Gregory filed a lawsuit Dec. 7 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against CSX, saying he performed his duties as a locomotive engineer and conductor in East St. Louis at least twice a week between February 1998 and December 2008.

During the course of Gregory's work, he became exposed to repetitive traumas, which caused his degenerative spinal condition, according to the complaint.

Because of his work, Gregory suffered great pain, disability, mental anguish and extreme nervousness; lost large sums of money; and sustained an impaired earning capacity, the suit states. In addition, he incurred medical expenses and lost his normal life, the suit states.

Gregory blames CSX for failing to provide him with a safe place to work and with safe working conditions and methods, for failing to provide him with safe equipment, for failing to adequately maintain its tracks, for failing to equip its locomotives with ergonomically safe seats, for failing to determine the ergonomic hazards of Gregory's job and for failing to warn Gregory of his ergonomic risks.

In the five-count suit, Gregory is seeking a judgment of more than $250,000, plus costs.

Ryan Brennan of The Brennan Law Firm will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-649.