PITTSBURGH - A West Mifflin man is suing the Union Railroad Company alleging the railroad is liable for injuries resulting from exposure to toxic substances while working for the company.
The suit was filed April 9 by attorney Hailey A. Tutton on behalf of plaintiff Charles E. Stumpf in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, according to court documents.
The suit alleges that during the time Stumpf worked for the railroad as a brakeman and conductor between 1973 and 2001, he was exposed to diesel exhaust, asbestos and second-hand smoke in excessive amounts. It is alleged that the exposure occurred on a daily basis and in all areas Stumpf was assigned to work.
Stumpf developed lung cancer, which was diagnosed in 2011, and the suit alleges that his condition was “in whole or in part, caused or contributed to” by the exposures he experienced in the course of his employment with Union Railroad Company.
The suit further alleges that the company failed to provide a reasonably safe work environment, failed to take effective action to minimize exposure to toxic substances, and failed to warn employees of potential hazards, such as exposure to the asbestos from brake pads.
Stumpf is seeking a judgement in excess of $50,000 as well as costs.