Engineer sues Union Pacific over fall on steep rail bed

A train engineer is asking Union Pacific to pay more than $50,000 for injuries he says he received while walking down a hill in 2008.

John M. Hannon Jr. filed a complaint June 22 in St. Clair County District Court against Union Pacific Railroad Company. Hannon accuses the railroad of failing to provide a safe work environment.

Hannon says he was working as an engineer for Union Pacific in July 2008. While on the job, Hannon says he was required to walk down "a steeply sloped and unstable rail bed."

Hannon says he fell, allegedly causing serious injuries to his back and legs. The engineer contends Union Pacific is to blame for the fall for allegedly failing to provide a safe work environment that didn't require a steep descent.

Hannon is asking for more than $50,000 in damages for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income and disability.

Attorney William P. Gavin of Belleville is representing Hannon.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-305