Carman sues Norfolk Southern over repetitive trauma

A former carman is suing Norfolk Southern Railway for $100,000, claiming the company caused him to be injured repeatedly over his 10-year career.

Michael Gibson filed the negligence claim against Norfolk Southern Railway Company Nov. 3 in Madison County Circuit Court.

According to the complaint, Gibson worked as a carman for Norfolk Southern between 1998 and 2008. In August 2008, Gibson says he was hurt while trying to change an air hose under a railcar.

Gibson says the company is negligent for failing to provide safe tools, proper tools or the supervision needed to perform his work. He contends Norfolk Southern should have warned him of foreseeable on-the-job hazards.

Throughout his 10-year career, Gibson says Norfolk Southern Railway routinely failed to provide a safe work environment. He says the company allowed unsafe actions to become routine practice.

Gibson claims that, because of the railroad's ongoing negligence, Norfolk Southern is responsible for "numerous repetitive traumas" he was allegedly subjected to while repairing railcars. He says he has suffered severe and permanent injuries to his back and body.

Gibson is asking for $100,000 in damages. Gregory M. Tobin of Pratt & Tobin in East Alton is representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case no. 10-L-1122.