There are various industries that are inherently more dangerous than others. The railroad industry is a dangerous one, even for the most careful of employees. After all, they often work with heavy machinery, including trains weighing tens of thousands of pounds. Accidents involving trains are almost always devastating.
All railroad employers must create and maintain a safe working environment for their employees, protecting them from railroad accidents and injuries. However, that is not always the case. In 2021, there was a total of 5,781 reported railroad injuries and illnesses along with 893 deaths resulting in railroad accidents in the United States. As you can see, not everyone follows the appropriate safety guidelines.
In these instances, the injured parties can hold those responsible for their railroad injuries accountable. However, that often means going up against large railroad companies with plenty of resources.
The attorneys at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. are skilled litigators willing to pursue justice in both federal and state courts, including appeals, to ensure we secure the best possible outcome for you. With over seven decades of experience, we have successfully handled complex litigation, and this experience will give us the edge against railroad companies.
Common Railroad Accident Injuries
Due to the sheer size of trains, they often cause severe or fatal injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in railroad accidents include:
- Neck injuries (such as whiplash)
- Back injuries (such as herniated discs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries (such as concussions)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries (such as internal bleeding or damaged organs)
- Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia)
- Loss of limb
- Disfigurement
- Burn injuries
- Death
FELA Claims
All railroad workers are protected under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Enacted in 1908, FELA requires all railroad employers to create and maintain a safe working environment for their employees and anyone who visits the premises. Under the act, workers may be entitled to compensation for the damages and injuries they sustain on railroad sites.
Typically, these accidents occur because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, often that of employers. With our decades of experience, our attorneys at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. take railroad accidents seriously, addressing them with compassionate and detail-driven representation. We understand the complexity of these cases and the power of railroad companies, but we stand ready to even the odds. If you suffered railroad injuries due to an employer’s negligence, contact Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. to set up your free consultation.