Railroad Injuries

FELA Railroad Injury Cases

The Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA) governs the circumstances under which injured workers can pursue personal injury claims against the railroad. Railroad accidents often occur as the result of violating industry standards or safety regulations. Attorneys will determine who is responsible for your injuries and help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve.

The term FELA injuries refers to physical harm railroad workers sustain on-the-job as the result of an employer’s, co-worker’s, or equipment manufacturer’s negligence or recklessness.

Common types of FELA injuries include (but aren’t limited to):

  • back, head, and neck injuries
  • broken bones
  • burns
  • coupling and spinal cord injuries
  • crushing injuries
  • disfigurement
  • dismemberment
  • electrocutions
  • hand, wrist, and elbow injuries
  • joint injuries (particularly to the knees and shoulders)
  • knee and ankle injuries
  • shoulder and arm injuries
  • permanent disabilities
  • traumatic brain injury
  • whole-body vibration

Should railroad workers develop any serious injury while working, they will likely be entitled to a settlement via the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Similarly, families of railroad workers killed on-the-job will also have a viable legal claim and be entitled to a settlement.

Prospective plaintiffs can learn more about their legal rights by consulting with an experienced FELA attorney for a free, initial consultation.

Fatalities & Injuries of Railroad Employees

Railroad workers are most likely to have a viable FELA injury case following:

  • collisions
  • derailments
  • exposure to diesel fumes
  • exposure to toxins
  • frequent use of heavy machinery
  • heavy cargo loads
  • highway-rail accidents (which occur when railroads interact with highway traffic at train crossings)
  • human error
  • the time needed to stop speeding, heavy trains
  • track and equipment defects

FELA Back Injury Settlements

Back injuries are among the most common type of railroad injury sustained following a train accident. The following is a range of recent settlements awarded for FELA back injury cases:

  • $220,000 for back injuries following a rockslide (The plaintiff was able to return to work following surgery)
  • $879,000 for low back injuries resulting from a train collision
  • $2 million for severe low back injuries and chronic pain sustained due to violations of Federal Train Safety measures

FELA settlements for back injuries tend to be substantial because back injuries typically:

  • result in chronic or recurring pain
  • require long-term treatments and rehabilitation are incurable

FELA Lawsuits

When railroad employees sustain any injury at work, it’s vital that they:

  • Seek immediate medical attention to counteract further possible injuries
  • Follow through with all prescribed long-term care for the best chances of recovery
  • Consult with an experienced FELA lawyer to determine if they are entitled to pursue a settlement for their injuries and losses

Those who have FELA cases can enjoy the following benefits when working with experienced personal injury lawyers:

  • access to medical and legal experts who can uphold your claims when official testimony is needed
  • aggressive, professional representation in court, arbitration, and mediation proceedings
  • delayed payment for legal services to help alleviate plaintiffs’ financial burdens as they seek the settlements they deserve

For more information regarding railroad injuries and FELA claims, please contact us today.