BNSF Railroad in trial over man’s railcar injury

Jury selection began Monday in a personal injury trial against Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. 

Joseph Egland filed suit against they company on Feb. 7, 2007 in Jefferson County District Court.

Jury selection began Oct. 21 in Judge Gary Sanderson’s 60th District Court.

According to the plaintiff’s third amended petition, on June 20, 2005, Egland was working as a longshoreman on a railcar supplied by BNSF when the defective condition of the railcar caused him to injure his shoulder and body in general.

The suit accuses BNSF of negligently supplying a railcar with an unsafe condition and negligently failing to inspect, maintain and repair the railcar.

Egland is asking jurors to award him damages for his alleged past and future lost wages, medical expenses, pain and impairment.

He is represented by John Werner, attorney for the Beaumont law firm Reaud, Morgan & Quinn.

Attorney Douglas W. Poole of McLeod, Alexander, Powel & Apffel in Galveston is representing the defendant.

Case No. B178-607