Woman sues railroad over husband's death

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

GALLUP — A Ganado woman is still waiting on a response from the U.S. District Court regarding a complaint filed against the Union Pacific Railroad.

Edith Lee filed the complaint of negligence against the Union Pacific Railroad in Phoenix after her husband, Michael Lee, died of injuries sustained while working.

The complaint states that around June 24, 2003, Lee was employed by the Union Pacific Railroad as a track worker, and while employed, suffered personal injuries while working in Cheyenne, Wyo. Lee was reportedly struck by a rail while working. As of result of the injuries, Lee died on July 30, 2003, in a hospital in Seattle, Washington.

Edith Lee filed the complaint on June 21, 2006.

The complaint states that Lee's injury and death were caused by the negligence of railroad employees, who owed him the duty to provide a reasonably safe place to work.

The complaint states that Lee and the Plaintiff suffered physical pain and mental anguish before death, lost earnings in the past and future, and medical and funeral expenses. Lee is asking for money damages in excess of $75,000, post-judgment interest, and costs of suit.

Lee is being represented by attorney Michael Hennen, attorney for Provost Umphrey Law Firm, L.L.P., based out of Friendswood, Texas. Private investigator, Joe Cardenas, based out of Marysville, Calif., has been working on the case since 2003. Cardenas said Hennen and he are still tracking down two of eight witnesses to the case.

Lee has been working with the Navajo Nation to address discrimination incidences that are reported by Navajos who are employed with the railroad.