Szewczyk
A St. Clair County railroad company is accused of allowing two of its trains to collide, injuring a conductor.
Paul L. Brigman filed a lawsuit Dec. 5 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against The Alton & Southern Railway Company.
The alleged incident happened in January at the Alton & Southern Railway yard in East St. Louis, according to the complaint. Brigman says he was working as a conductor aboard an engine. Sometime after dark on Jan. 30, Brigman says the engine he was driving was hit by another train leaving the rail yard.
Brigman says the engine he was operating was knocked off the track and onto its side. The conductor says the collision caused him to be seriously injured and trapped inside the train until rescue workers were able to reach him.
Brigman accuses Alton & Southern Railway of negligence for allegedly failing to properly coordinate the movement of its trains. He is asking for more than $50,000 in damages as compensation for medical expenses, loss of income and court costs.
Brigman is being represented by attorney Edward J. Szewczyk, of Granite City.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-662