Papa
A railroad worker claims he sustained severe injuries to his lumbar spine, hip and leg after he fell while working on a loose ballast.
Charles Heinzl filed a lawsuit Dec. 28 in Madison County Circuit Court against Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis.
In his complaint, Heinzl claims he was working as a conductor for Terminal Railroad Association when he attempted to throw a power switch on Feb. 11, 2010. While attempting to maneuver the switch, Heinzl lost his footing and slipped on a loose ballast, according to the complaint.
In addition to his injuries, Heinzl incurred medical costs, lost wages and experienced pain, suffering and disability because of the incident, the suit states. He also was disfigured and has been unable to pursue his normal activities, the complaint says.
He blames Terminal Railroad Association for causing his injuries, saying it negligently failed to provide him with a safe place to work, failed to properly maintain the switch, failed to maintain the ground around the switch and failed to warn him of the dangerous conditions.
Heinzl seeks a judgment of more than $75,000, plus costs.
John T. Papa of Callis, Papa, Hale and Szewczyk in Granite City will be representing him.
Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-1443.