Union Pacific worker blames career with railroad for trauma to body

A Union Pacific trackman accuses the railroad of causing him severe back injuries.

Terry E. Wybourn worked as a trackman for Union Pacific Railroad and blames the company for what he calls "repetitive trauma to his back and body."

Alleging violations of the Federal Employers' Liability Act, Wybourn filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific Sept. 16 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Wybourn says the railroad is negligent for failing to provide a reasonably safe place to work and failing to provide safe and suitable tools and equipment to perform assigned tasks. He claims Union Pacific's negligence has caused him severe and permanent injuries, disability and disfigurement.

Wybourn is asking the court to award him more than $50,000 for pain and mental anguish, lost wages, medical expenses and a diminished ability to earn money in the future.

Attorney Robert W. Schmieder of Pratt & Tobin PC in East Alton is representing Wybourn.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L-964