Railroad workers face unique risks while on the job, from working with heavy machinery to being exposed to hazardous conditions. If you are a railroad worker who has been injured while working, it is important to consult with a railroad workers injury lawyer who is familiar with the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) and other legal provisions that can help you secure compensation for your injuries. Unlike standard workers’ compensation claims, FELA allows railroad workers to sue their employer for negligence and seek compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages.
Here’s how a railroad workers injury lawyer can assist you and a list of top law firms specializing in railroad worker injury cases.
How a Railroad Workers Injury Lawyer Can Help
1. FELA Claims
Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA): FELA is a unique law that allows railroad workers to sue their employers for negligence if they are injured on the job. Unlike typical workers’ compensation claims, FELA provides the opportunity to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering.
Proving Employer Negligence: To win a FELA claim, your lawyer must prove that your employer’s negligence contributed to your injury. This may involve showing that the railroad failed to maintain safe working conditions, provide proper training, or comply with safety regulations.
2. Investigating the Cause of the Injury
Identifying Negligence: Railroad accidents can occur due to many factors such as poor equipment maintenance, unsafe working conditions, lack of safety training, or failure to follow safety protocols. Your lawyer will investigate the cause of your injury to determine whether the railroad company’s actions or inactions were responsible.
Gathering Evidence: The lawyer will collect evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, maintenance records, and expert testimonies to establish a strong case.
3. Pursuing Compensation
Medical Expenses: A lawyer will help you recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Injuries can result in time away from work. Your lawyer will pursue compensation for lost wages during your recovery period and may also seek compensation for any reduction in your future earning capacity due to permanent injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Under FELA, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the long-term impact of your injury on your life.
Other Damages: In some cases, you may also be able to claim damages for disability, permanent disfigurement, or loss of quality of life.
4. Settlement Negotiation
Negotiating with Insurance: Railroad companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than they are worth. Your lawyer will negotiate with the railroad’s insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, advocating for your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
5. Handling Legal Complexity
Legal Expertise: FELA claims involve complex legal requirements and procedures. A lawyer who specializes in railroad workers’ injury lawsuits will be familiar with the nuances of FELA and other relevant laws, ensuring that your claim is handled effectively.
Top Railroad Workers Injury Lawyers
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Romanucci & Blandin is a leading law firm that specializes in FELA claims and has a history of successful outcomes for railroad workers. They are known for their client-focused approach and commitment to securing maximum compensation for injured workers.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad worker injuries, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries.
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: Schlichter Bogard has decades of experience in representing railroad workers under FELA. They have secured significant verdicts and settlements, particularly in cases involving long-term injuries, hazardous exposure, and safety violations.
Specialty: FELA claims, hazardous material exposure, long-term injury claims, and wrongful death.
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Specializing in catastrophic injuries, the Brain Injury Law Center represents railroad workers who suffer from brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious long-term conditions due to work-related accidents.
Specialty: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and catastrophic injuries in railroad accidents.
Website: brain-injury-law-center.com
4. Martin & Jones, PLLC
Location: Raleigh, NC
Overview: Martin & Jones is a well-established law firm with extensive experience in representing injured railroad workers under FELA. They focus on securing maximum compensation for injured workers and have a strong track record of success in railroad accident cases.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad worker injuries, and wrongful death claims.
Website: martinandjones.com
5. Hoey & Farina, P.C.
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Hoey & Farina specializes in FELA claims and has represented numerous railroad workers who have suffered from injuries caused by unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, and employer negligence.
Specialty: FELA claims, train derailments, worker exposure to hazardous materials, and wrongful death.
Website: hoeyfarina.com
6. Wettermark Keith Personal Injury Lawyers
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Overview: Wettermark Keith is a personal injury law firm with a dedicated team for railroad worker injury claims. They focus on getting compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for injured workers.
Specialty: FELA claims, train accidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death.
Website: wkfirm.com
Steps to Take After a Railroad Injury
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get evaluated by a healthcare professional to assess and document your injuries, even if they seem minor initially.
Report the Injury: Report the injury to your employer immediately, as this creates an official record and is crucial for your FELA claim.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, and any communications with your employer. Take photos of the scene, if possible, and gather witness statements.
Contact a Railroad Workers Injury Lawyer: Reach out to a lawyer specializing in FELA and railroad injury claims as soon as possible. They will help you understand your rights and guide you through the process.
File Your Claim: Your lawyer will help you file a FELA claim with the railroad company and any other necessary legal documents.
Follow Your Lawyer’s Guidance: Work closely with your attorney and follow their advice to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.
Conclusion
If you are a railroad worker who has been injured on the job, it’s essential to consult with a lawyer experienced in FELA claims and railroad injury lawsuits. The law firms listed above have a proven track record of helping injured railroad workers secure fair compensation for their injuries. Whether you are filing a FELA claim for negligence or pursuing compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, a railroad injury lawyer can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.