Alton and Southern sued by veteran worker

During a Collinsville man's 40-year career for Alton and Southern Railway, he claims to have sustained severe injuries to his right shoulder, arm, elbow, hand and back.

Thomas Cooper filed suit Nov. 5 in Madison County Circuit Court against the railroad.

Cooper claims he began his career with Alton and Southern Railway in 1968, and throughout the time, was exposed to cumulative, repetitive trauma.

Because of his exposure, Cooper suffered the injuries and extreme pain, lost money and experienced an impaired earning capacity, according to the complaint. In addition, he spent more than $75,000 in medical costs, the suit states.

He blames Alton and Southern Railway for causing his injuries, saying it negligently failed to provide him with a safe place to work, failed to provide him with proper tools, created a hazardous condition on its premises and failed to carry out safe customs, among other negligent acts.

In his complaint, Cooper seeks a judgment of more than $75,000, plus
costs.

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

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-1129.