Union Pacific sued over worker's car accident

A man claims he sustained disability and disfigurement after a driver for Union Pacific Railroad Company overturned a vehicle in which the man rode.

Scott D. Nation filed a lawsuit Sept. 30 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Professional Transportation, Nolan B. Hawkins Jr. and Union Pacific Railroad Company.

Nation claims Hawkins of Professional Transportation drove him from one work location of Union Pacific Railroad Company to another on Oct. 11, 2008, when the vehicle left the road and overturned on Missouri Highway 100 about half a mile from its intersection with County Road 319.

Because of the accident, Nation sustained severe and permanent injuries, disability and disfigurement; incurred medical costs and has been unable to perform his work and activities, according to the complaint.

He blames Hawkins for causing the accident, saying Hawkins negligently drove too fast, failed to keep the vehicle under proper control, failed to reduce his speed to avoid a collision and failed to keep a proper lookout.

In his three-count complaint, Nation seeks a judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs.

William P. Gavin of Gavin Law Firm in Belleville will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-513.