HOUSTON — Union Pacific Railroad is facing a suit from a former conductor who suffered a head injury while working on a switch crew in Fort Worth.
Emanuel Ogletree, Jr., filed a complaint Dec. 18 against Union Pacific Railroad Company alleging negligence.
According to his complaint, Ogletree was employed as a conductor by Union Pacific. He alleges that while working on a switch crew and shoving a train into the Peach Tree Yard in Fort Worth on Aug. 7, 2020, the engineer "improperly" applied the brakes. Ogletree further alleges that the engineer's actions caused a "slack action to run throughout the train" as he was thrown from the rear tank car.
He claims he hit the ground but was able to "roll away from the tank car which just missed his head." Ogletree alleges he suffered injuries to his knee, leg, wrist and to his head which has resulted in a seizure disorder.
He alleges Union Pacific was negligent in failing to provide a "reasonably safe place to work" and the negligence of the engineer for failing to "properly set the brakes on the cut of cars" that were being switched. Ogletree also alleges the engineer violated Union Pacific's General Code of Operating Rules.
Ogletree seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, trial by jury, interest and all other just relief. He is represented by Robert Tramuto of Jones Granger in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2020-81380