BELLEVILLE – A railroad employee claims he was exposed to toxic chemicals on the job for decades, causing him to develop cancer.
Plaintiff James Herndon filed a lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against the Illinois Central Railroad Company, doing business as Canadian National/Illinois National, citing negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Herndon was employed by the defendants to work as a fireman and engineer and has been working for the company since 1968. Herndon claims that during his decades of employment with the defendant, he was required to work in environments which caused him to be exposed to diesel fumes and other toxic chemicals. He adds that during his employment, he was also exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke, tobacco smoke, toxic fumes from cleaning solvents and other potentially hazardous materials connected to his employment with the defendants.
Herndon alleges Illinois Central Railroad Company knew that his exposure to these toxic agents were hazardous, but failed to take proper measures to protect him from exposure. Herndon claims that as a result of his exposure to these various toxic substances, he has contracted lung cancer.
The plaintiff is demanding a trial jury to seek damages in excess of $50,000 for his injuries, incurred medical costs, court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. He is represented in this case by attorney Myles L. Epperson of Simmons, Hanly, Conroy in Alton.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 22LA0995