Railroad worker files suit claiming job affected his health

St. Clair, IL: A longtime railroad worker has filed a lawsuit against his former employer claiming that his exposure to various toxins over the course of his career contributed to him developing pancreatic cancer.

Brad Thompson worked for the Union Pacific Railroad Company from 1984 to July 2009 as a brakeman and a conductor, the St. Clair Record reports.

According to the suit, Thompson said he was exposed to a variety of substances that included, but was not limited to, "second-hand cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust and/or asbestos." He claims that exposure "in whole or in part" led him to develop pancreatic cancer.

The illness reportedly caused Thompson to suffer from great pain and disability, mental anguish and "extreme nervousness" because of the loss of income he incurred due to his condition.

The plaintiff is seeking more than $100,000 in damages for Union Pacific's allegedly failing to provide a safe place to work, safe equipment and for exposing Thompson to toxic chemicals. He also contends Union Pacific was at fault for not educating him on the dangers of such toxins.