BELLEVILLE — An injured conductor is suing a railroad company after he allegedly twisted his ankle between railroad ties.
Ryan Henningfield of Pierron filed a complaint Jan. 28 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Kansas City Southern Railway Company, alleging violation of the Federal Employers' Liability Act.
According to the complaint, on Feb. 23, 2017, Henningfield was on duty walking at the KCS railyard in East St. Louis when his right foot became caught in a gap between two railroad ties, causing his right foot and ankle to twist and pop, which required surgery.
The suit says Henningfield suffered pain, mental anguish, lost wages and benefits and the medical expenses for treatment and surgery.
The plaintiff alleges Kansas City Southern Railway failed to timely fix the problem and failed to give adequate warning of the existing danger, despite previous complaints of the dangerous walking condition.
Henningfield seeks trial by jury, judgment exceeding $50,000, plus court costs and all other proper and just relief. He is represented by attorneys Eric D. Holland and Patric R. Dowd of Holland Law Firm in St. Louis.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case number 19-L-81