Welder sues Union Pacific over back injuries

A welder for Union Pacific Railroad Company has filed suit against his employer, alleging he sustained injuries to his lower back because of tasks he was assigned throughout his career.

In the first incident, Donald Currie claims he was performing track maintenance duties for Union Pacific on May 7, 2007, near milepost 287.2 in Ina when he sustained injuries to his lower back.

Currie claims he was working on the main line track in Springfield, Mo., on Jan. 28, 2010, near milepost 191 when he again sustained his injuries while lifting heavy equipment.

According to the complaint filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Currie endured severe pain and suffering; incurred medical costs; suffered psychological and emotional injury, mental anguish and anxiety; and lost wages, benefits and his earning capacity because of the incident.

He blames Union Pacific for causing his injuries, saying the company failed to provide him with safe equipment and tools, failed to provide sufficient and adequate assistance to perform the work, failed to provide him with safe work methods and failed to provide him with safe conditions for work.

In his three-count complaint, Currie seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

He will be represented by Nelson G. Wolff and Roger C. Denton of Schlichter, Bogard and Denton in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-206.