Union Pacific worker claims permanent injuries after 30 years

A Missouri man claims he has suffered severe and permanent injuries to his right and left hands, wrists and knees after working more than 30 years for a railroad company.

Michael Miller filed a lawsuit Sept. 20 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Union Pacific Railroad.

Miller claims he worked for Union Pacific as a conductor and brakeman beginning in 1973 and ending in 2009. Throughout his career, Miller worked on railroad equipment, including locomotives, and on poorly maintained tracks, track beds and ballasts, according to the complaint.

Because of the excessive and hazardous vibrations, poorly maintained road beds and poorly designed locomotive seats, Miller suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome and extreme pain, the suit states. In addition, he lost wages and experienced an impaired earning capacity, the complaint says.

Miller claims he experienced additional injuries when he was forcibly thrown to the ground after a train on which he rode derailed.

Miller blames Union Pacific for causing his injuries, saying the railroad negligently failed to provide him with a safe place to work, failed to provide him with safe tools and equipment, failed to inspect and repair its premises and created hazardous work conditions for its employees.

In his two-count complaint, Miller is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

John T. Papa of Callis, Papa, Hale, Szewczyk and Danzinger in Granite City will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-483.