HOUSTON — A former Union Pacific Railroad worker claims he suffered severe injuries while working on a locomotive due to unsafe working conditions.
Lionel Ward filed a complaint Feb. 1 in Harris County District Court against Union Pacific Railroad Company alleging negligence and violation of Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
Ward was working as a locomotive machinist for Union Pacific at its Englewood Yard in Houston on March 20, 2019, according to his suit. Ward claims that he was conducting maintenance on a locomotive as an engine switcher in a filter room that "was too small" and required him to "stand outside of the room off to the side."
He alleges he was not provided with any type of extension tools or training on servicing this type of locomotive and was forced to extend his arms to "manipulate the equipment." Ward claims he suffered "discomfort" in his neck and lower back with numbness and pain which became so excruciating the next day, he collapsed to the ground.
He alleges Union Pacific's negligence for failing to provide a "reasonably safe place to work" and failing to properly train and provide him with proper tools or warn him of the workplace conditions.
Ward seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Anthony Buzbee and Ryan Pigg of The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston and Michael Herzik of The Herzik Law Firm in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-06054