A railroad worker has filed suit against his former employers, alleging he suffered respiratory and skeletal injuries after inhaling damaging contaminants found in the rail yard.
Michael M. Anderson claims he was working as a carman for defendant Union Pacific Railroad Company from November 2006 through 2007 and as a carman and toolman for defendant the Alton and Southern Railway Company through 2010. During his career, Anderson was exposed to contaminants, including degreasers, polychlorinated biphenyls from engines and electrical equipment, diesel fuel, solvents, paints, treated railroad ties and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, according to the complaint filed Nov. 2 in St. Clair County Circuit Court. He was also exposed to diesel pollution, the suit states.
In addition to his respiratory, skeletal and nervous system injuries, Anderson experienced severe pain and suffering, incurred medical costs, suffered psychological and emotional injuries, endured mental anguish and anxiety and was rendered disabled, the complaint says.
Anderson blames Union Pacific and Alton and Southern Railway for causing his injuries, saying the railroads negligently failed to provide safe conditions to work, failed to provide safe equipment for work and failed to provide safe methods for work.
In his complaint, Anderson is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.
Richard J. Zalasky and Andrea D. McNairy of Brown and Crouppen in St. Louis and Robert Sprague of Belleville will be representing him.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-600.
Carman sues Alton and Southern Railway over contaminants exposure
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