Union Pacific worker alleges injuries after ground gave way

A man has filed suit against Union Pacific Railroad Company, alleging he fell while working on uneven ground for it.

Gary D. Waltemate claims he was working as a conductor and was in the process of tying down a train at Union Pacific's Sauget tie yard on Dec. 16, 2007, when the ground he was walking on suddenly and unexpectedly gave way, causing him to fall.

According to the complaint filed May 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Waltemate sustained back, neck and left shoulder injuries and suffered mental anguish. In addition, he endured multiple surgeries, lost wages and fringe benefits, incurred medical costs, endured pain and suffering and experienced a diminished ability to work and enjoy his normal pursuits of life, the suit states.

In his complaint, Waltemate blames Union Pacific for causing his injuries, saying the company failed to provide him with a safe place to work, failed to provide him safe work conditions, failed to provide adequate care for the health and safety of its employees, required him to walk on uneven surfaces, failed to provide him with safe work methods and assigned him duties that it knew would cause him injury.

In his complaint, Waltemate is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Edward F. Brennan and Ryan Brennan of The Brennan Law Firm in Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-228.