PHILADELPHIA – A former mechanic and machinist for a pair of train transportation companies has initiated legal action against them, claiming they violated the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) by not providing him with a safe work environment over the course of his 39-year career.
John Grybowski of Lancaster, N.Y. filed suit on Jan. 23 in the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, against Consolidated Rail (Conrail) Corporation in Philadelphia and CSX Transportation, Inc. of Jacksonville, Fla.
“On April 1, 1976, plaintiff [John] Grybowski started working as a Conrail mechanic and machinist, and worked for Conrail until on or about May 31, 1999,” the suit says. “On or about May 31, 1999, plaintiff [John] Grybowski started working for CSX as a mechanic and machinist, and worked in that capacity for CSX until on or about June 1, 2015.”
The plaintiff says in the course of his employment duties, the defendants overexposed the plaintiff to musculoskeletal stressors including awkward postures and repetitive heavy lifting, such that he developed occupationally-induced musculoskeletal injuries and disease to his bilateral shoulders (rotator cuff tears), cervical spine and lumbar spine.
The plaintiff adds the defendants failed to provide him with a safe work environment, appropriate equipment, adequate supervision, tools and manpower.
The plaintiff is seeking damages, jointly and severally, in excess of the court’s jurisdictional minimum, plus costs and other remedies at law in equity.
The plaintiff is represented by David L. Lockard of David L. Lockard & Associates, in Philadelphia
Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas case 170102982
From the Pennsylvania Record: Reach Courts Reporter Nicholas Malfitano at nickpennrecord@gmail.com