Seaman claims he drank bad water in suit against Archers Daniels Midland

A Madison County seaman is suing his employer after contaminated drinking water at work allegedly made him violently ill.

Michael A. Oakley filed the lawsuit against Archer Daniels Midland Co. and American River Transportation Co. Oct. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court.

In October 2007, Oakley says he was working aboard the boat New Dawn when he drank water provided by American River Transportation, a subsidiary of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company.

Oakley says he became violently ill and damaged part of his digestive system. He contends the water was contaminated and to blame for his condition.

Oakley is suing the defendants for failing to provide a safe working environment. He is asking for more than $200,000 for medical expenses, lost wages and court costs.

Attorney William J. Mateyka of Granite City is representing Oakley.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 10-L-1071