EDWARDSVILLE — A Norfolk Southern Railway worker claims improper employee training and safety measures led to a locomotive collision, resulting in injuries.
Todd Iken filed a complaint Sept. 10 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Norfolk Southern Railway Company, alleging negligence.
Iken was working at Norfolk Southern's A.O. Smith Yard in Granite City on June 23, according to his complaint. He alleges that while working on a "mother/slug" locomotive and sitting in the locomotive's cab, another crew member shoved a cut of cars into the locomotive. Iken claims he was knocked about the inside of the locomotive cab and suffered injuries to his spine.
Iken claims Norfolk Southern was negligent for failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to provide proper training and failing to provide reasonably safe engines or cars. Iken also alleges Norfolk Southern employees failed to follow rules for switching rail cars and failed to follow FRA regulations. He claims he was not given safety or personal protective equipment, given adequate help and was not warned of the impending collision.
Iken seeks compensation of more than $50,000 and all other just relief. He is represented by Steven Groves and Stephanie Black of Groves/Powers LLC in St. Louis.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-001090