Truck driver sues Union Pacific, others over fall at area rail yard

A truck driver who claims he was injured using a temporary staircase an area rail yard after filling out paperwork is suing.

Monique Bridgeforth filed suit Dec. 3 in Cook County Circuit Court, citing negligence against Union Pacific Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad Co., Union Pacific Motor Freight Co., Rail Terminal Services LLC, Rail Services Inc., Rail Terminal Services Inc., and Rail Management Services LLC.

According to the suit, Bridgeforth was at the defendant's Canal Rail Yard on Jan. 12, 2013 to pick up an empty container to deliver to Iowa. He alleges that he had to go to a trailer to fill out paperwork, and the only entrance was a temporary staircase alongside the trailer.

Bridgeforth claims the staircase was not securely attached to the trailer, and upon his exit, the staircase had moved without his knowledge, creating a space between the staircase and the trailer.

The suit states his right foot slid into the gap, which caused him to fall through the gap and required him to catch himself with his right arm. The fall allegedly caused Bridgeforth multiple significant injuries, including a torn rotator cuff.

He accuses Union Pacific Railroad and the other defendants of failing to provide and properly maintain the trailer and the staircase, or warn any truck drivers of the hazard.

Bridgeforth seeks in excess of $50,000 for his injuries and is represented by attorney Evan Smola of Hurley McKenna & Mertz of Chicago.

Cook County Circuit Court case number: 2014L012532.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and represents only one side of the story.