Uhrhan v. Union Pacific Railroad

The controversy in this case stems from the injury plaintiff, David J. Uhrhan, suffered while employed as a switchman by defendant, Union Pacific Railroad Company (Railroad). Resolution of this dispute requires this court to determine (1) whether the trial court properly allowed the defendant’s expert witness to testify despite that party’s failure to comply with Supreme Court Rule 220, and (2) whether the trial court properly submitted the issue of contributory negligence to the jury.

BACKGROUND

On December 8, 1985, plaintiff reported to work at 11:59 p.m. He and the three other members of his…