Rather than let a jury determine the outcome, Union Pacific Railroad Co. opted to settle a former employee's injury claim on the day the trial was to start.
In February 2009, the Southeast Texas Record reported that Henry Washington filed suit against UP in Jefferson County District Court, claiming his spine was injured on Feb. 10, 2008, while he was working near Houston as a maintenance-of-way employee.
The case was set to go to trial on Monday, March 12, but UP settled before a jury could be selected, according to a courthouse official.
In his suit, Washington claims UP was negligent by assigning him work beyond his physical capabilities, by failing to provide adequate manpower to perform the job and by failing to provide adequate supervision for the job, Washington claims.
He was suing for his alleged medical expenses, lost wages and mental anguish.
David Wilson of Provost Umphrey Law Firm in Beaumont represents him.
UP is represented by Marcy Rothman of the Houston law firm Kane Russell Coleman & Logan.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is presiding over the case.
Case No. E183-242
Union Pacific settles spine injury suit on day of trial
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