Union Pacific named in FELA suit by track man

A man has filed suit against a railroad, alleging he sustained permanent spine injuries after his work for the company.

Randall E. Ball claims he worked as a track man for defendant Union Pacific Railroad Company where he was exposed to unsafe working conditions.

In addition to his spinal injuries, Ball suffered pain and mental anguish, incurred medical costs and lost wages because of the injuries he incurred while working, according to the complaint filed Dec. 27 in Madison County Circuit Court. He also experienced pain and suffering and lost his ability to work, labor and enjoy the normal pursuits of life, the suit states.

Union Pacific negligently failed to provide Ball with a safe place to work, failed to provide him with safe work conditions, failed to provide him with adequate help, failed to provide him with safe tools and failed to provide him with reasonably safe methods of work, among other negligent acts, the complaint says.

In his suit, Ball is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

He will be represented by Steven L. Groves of Holland, Groves,
Schneller and Stolze in St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-128.