Injured Passengers

Millions of Americans travel by train every day, whether it’s for commuting to work or travelling long distances for leisure or business. According to the Federal Railroad Administration there are approximately 3,000 train accidents a year in the U.S., and nearly 1,000 annual fatalities. The most common causes of train accidents include:

• Derailment
• Collisions with motor vehicles
• Improperly maintained tracks
• Mechanical Failure
• Conductor inexperience or negligence

Train accidents can be catastrophic, which is why railroad companies are held to the highest standard of liability. Railroad companies are regulated by federal and state governments as common carriers. Common carrier regulations hold railroad companies liable for even the slightest act of negligence.

Injured Railroad Workers

Railroad workers are exposed to a number of health hazards while on the job. These hazards include exposure to asbestos, chemicals, diesel fuels, cleaning agents, and various other toxic substances. Exposure to asbestos may cause a lethal type of lung cancer known as Mesothelioma, or other types of lung-related illnesses. In addition, railroad workers may sustain serious injuries or even death from train accidents. Railroad workers who are injured on the job are generally protected by a federal compensation program known as FELA, or the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. FELA mandates timing and filing deadlines for railroad injury cases. Therefore, if a worker is injured or contracts an industrial disease from working for a railroad, contacting an attorney as soon as possible is important.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

In the event of any train accident, there is a limit on the time period an injured party has to file a claim against the negligent party responsible for the train accident. If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of a train accident, contact the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today. Our experienced railroad accident attorneys will provide you with a free no-obligation consultation and explain your legal rights.

Resource Links

Federal Railroad Administration
Visit the Federal Railroad Administration’s site to access railroad safety information, including accidents, and inspection data.

Wikipedia- Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)
Visit the Wikipedia page on FELA to learn more about this federal law that seeks to protect and compensate railroad workers who are injured on the job.