Amtrak employee sues over job injury

CHARLESTON - A Hinton man has sued Amtrak because the company has refused to pay any medical expenses for his on-the-job injury.

James M. Clark filed a suit Feb. 7 in Kanawha Circuit Court. He worked on an Amtrak train as a "qualifying engineer." On March 12, 2004, Clark while working aboard a train, he slipped and fell walking through the vestibule between the engine and the lounge car.

Clark injured his lower back and spine. He has incurred medical expenses and will continue to incur them in the future.

The lawsuit says Amtrak failed to comply with the provisions and requirements of the Federal Employers' Liability Act.

Clark seeks compensation from Amtrak for his injuries, in an amount to be determined by the court. He demands a trial by jury.

Attorney Willard J. Moody Jr. is representing Clark, and the case has been assigned to Judge Louis Bloom.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 07-C-261