Former worker claims repetitive trauma in suit against Norfolk Southern

A former railroad worker claims he sustained severe neck, back, shoulder and knee injuries after he was exposed to repetitive trauma throughout his career.

David E. Lile filed a lawsuit March 20 in Madison County Circuit Court against Norfolk Southern Railway Company.

In his complaint, Lile alleges he worked for the railroad from 1973 until 2010 when he was subjected to numerous repetitive traumas while repairing the railroad tracks.

Because of the nature of his work, Lile experienced great pain and mental anguish, lost earnings, sustained an impaired earning capacity and incurred medical costs, according to the complaint.

Lile blames Norfolk Southern for negligently failing to provide him safe tools and equipment, failed to provide proper supervision, failed to warn of hazards, allowed unsafe practices to become common and assigned him duties that they knew would result in injuries, among other negligent acts.

Lile seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs.

Gregory M. Tobin of Pratt and Tobin in East Alton will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-349.