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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Union Pacific blamed for worker's fall from rail car into pile of debris

A man claims he suffered neck, right shoulder and right arm injuries after he fell while working on a railroad.

William Melican filed a lawsuit March 1 in Madison County Circuit Court against Union Pacific Railroad Company.

In his complaint, Melican alleges he was climbing off a railroad car while wearing a remote control operator’s device when he slipped and fell from the car and landed on a pile of debris lying beside the car.

Because of the incident, which occurred on Nov. 28, 2011, Melican suffered great pain and disability, endured serious mental anguish and extreme nervousness, incurred medical costs and lost income, the suit states.

Melican blames Union Pacific for causing his injuries, saying the company negligently failed to provide him with a safe place to work, required him to disembark from a railcar while wearing a remote control operator’s device and required him to work in an area littered with debris, among other negligent acts.

He also says the railroad company violated the Safety Appliance Act and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.

In his complaint, Melican seeks a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

William P. Gavin of Gavin Law Firm in Belleville will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-465.

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