If you’ve been injured in a railroad accident, whether as a railroad worker, passenger, or pedestrian, seeking an experienced injury lawyer who specializes in railroad accidents is crucial. Railroad accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, and the legal process surrounding these cases can be complex. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the legal landscape, ensure your rights are protected, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Here’s a guide on how an injury lawyer can assist with railroad accidents and some top law firms specializing in these types of cases.
How an Injury Lawyer for Railroad Accidents Can Help
1. Investigating the Cause of the Accident
Thorough Investigation: Railroad accidents often result from factors such as faulty equipment, inadequate maintenance, human error, or poor track conditions. A lawyer will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident to determine who is liable.
Gathering Evidence: The lawyer will gather critical evidence such as accident reports, black box data, witness statements, and any available video footage to build a solid case for you.
2. Pursuing Compensation for Injuries
Medical Expenses: If you’ve been injured in a railroad accident, your lawyer will pursue compensation for all medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages: Injuries from a railroad accident often result in missed work. Your lawyer will work to recover compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings if your injuries are long-term or permanent.
Pain and Suffering: In addition to economic damages, your lawyer can help you recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering caused by the injury.
Property Damage: If the accident caused damage to your vehicle or personal property, your lawyer will help you recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
3. Filing Under FELA (For Railroad Workers)
FELA Claims: Railroad workers who are injured on the job can file claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which allows workers to sue their employer for negligence. This is different from standard workers’ compensation claims and can provide greater compensation, including pain and suffering.
Employer Negligence: To file a FELA claim, the injured worker must prove that their employer’s negligence caused or contributed to the injury. A skilled FELA attorney will investigate the case and provide expert testimony to help prove negligence.
4. Handling Railroad Crossing and Passenger Injury Claims
Railroad Crossing Accidents: If you were injured at a railroad crossing due to malfunctioning signals, improper maintenance, or other factors, your lawyer can help you hold the responsible parties accountable, which may include the railroad company, local governments, or others.
Passenger Injury Claims: If you were a passenger on a train involved in a collision, derailment, or other accident, your lawyer will help you pursue compensation for injuries sustained due to the railroad company’s negligence or failure to maintain the train.
5. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Fair Compensation: Railroad companies and their insurers may attempt to settle quickly for a low amount. Your injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
6. Litigation if Necessary
Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will take your case to court. They will represent you in front of a judge and jury to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Top Injury Lawyers for Railroad Accidents
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Romanucci & Blandin has significant experience handling railroad accident cases. They represent railroad workers, passengers, and pedestrians injured in train accidents, and they specialize in FELA claims and personal injury cases.
Specialty: FELA claims, train collisions, derailments, wrongful death
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: Schlichter Bogard is a well-established law firm with a focus on FELA claims and railroad accidents. They have secured large verdicts and settlements for railroad workers and passengers injured in train collisions and derailments.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad crossing accidents, catastrophic injuries
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Specializing in brain and spinal cord injuries, the Brain Injury Law Center represents victims of serious accidents, including railroad accidents. They focus on catastrophic injury claims and secure compensation for long-term medical care and damages.
Specialty: Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic injury cases from railroad accidents
Website: brain-injury-law-center.com
4. Martin & Jones, PLLC
Location: Raleigh, NC
Overview: Martin & Jones has over 20 years of experience in personal injury law and specializes in railroad accident cases, particularly those involving FELA claims, train crashes, and wrongful death.
Specialty: FELA claims, train crash injuries, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Website: martinandjones.com
5. Hoey & Farina, P.C.
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Hoey & Farina specializes in representing injured railroad workers and passengers. They have a strong record of securing favorable settlements in FELA cases and have extensive experience in dealing with complex railroad accident litigation.
Specialty: FELA claims, train derailments, passenger injury claims, railroad crossing accidents
Website: hoeyfarina.com
6. Wettermark Keith Personal Injury Lawyers
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Overview: Wettermark Keith is known for their successful railroad accident litigation. They handle all types of railroad injury cases, including those resulting from train collisions, derailments, and railroad crossing accidents.
Specialty: Railroad accidents, catastrophic injury claims, FELA claims, wrongful death
Website: wkfirm.com
Steps to Take After a Railroad Accident
Seek Medical Care: Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get a medical evaluation. Injuries from railroad accidents can be severe and may not show symptoms immediately.
Document the Accident: If possible, take pictures of the scene, record details, and obtain witness contact information. This can help your lawyer build a strong case.
Contact an Injury Lawyer: As soon as possible, reach out to a lawyer who specializes in railroad accidents. They will help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the claims process.
File Your Claim: Your attorney will assist in filing the necessary legal claims, whether through FELA for railroad workers or a personal injury claim for other accident victims.
Follow Legal Advice: Your lawyer will help you negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court to ensure fair compensation for your injuries.
Conclusion
Railroad accidents can cause severe injuries, and navigating the legal complexities requires a skilled attorney. Whether you are pursuing a FELA claim as a railroad worker or seeking compensation for injuries as a passenger or pedestrian, the law firms listed above offer experienced legal representation to help you secure fair compensation for your losses.