If you’ve been injured in a train accident, whether as a passenger, railroad worker, or pedestrian, it’s essential to work with a lawyer who specializes in train injury lawsuits. Train accidents can be complex, often involving multiple parties such as railroad companies, manufacturers, and government agencies. A lawyer with experience in this area can help you navigate the legal process, determine liability, and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Here’s how a lawyer for train injury lawsuits can help and a list of top law firms that specialize in this area.
How a Lawyer for Train Injury Lawsuits Can Help
1. Investigating the Train Accident
Accident Cause: A train injury lawyer will investigate the cause of the train accident. Train accidents can happen due to various factors, such as human error, mechanical failure, poor track conditions, signal malfunctions, or inadequate safety measures.
Collecting Evidence: The lawyer will gather crucial evidence, including accident reports, train data logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. In some cases, they may bring in experts in areas like engineering or safety to help build the case.
2. Determining Liability
Railroad Companies: If the railroad company was negligent, such as failing to maintain the tracks, employ properly trained workers, or follow safety regulations, they could be held liable for the injuries caused.
Equipment Manufacturers: In cases where the injury was caused by defective or poorly maintained equipment, such as a train’s brakes or signal systems, the manufacturer or maintenance company could be held responsible.
Government Entities: If the accident was caused by poorly designed or maintained railroad crossings or infrastructure, government entities may be responsible for the accident.
3. Pursuing Compensation
Medical Expenses: A lawyer will help you recover compensation for medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and any other treatments required due to the accident.
Lost Wages: Injuries from train accidents often result in missed work. Your lawyer will help you recover compensation for lost wages and potential future earnings if the injuries are long-term or permanent.
Pain and Suffering: Train accidents can cause severe physical and emotional pain. An experienced lawyer will help you seek compensation for these non-economic damages.
Property Damage: If personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the accident, your lawyer will help you recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
4. Filing FELA Claims (For Railroad Workers)
FELA Claims: Railroad workers injured in accidents may file claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Unlike typical workers’ compensation claims, FELA allows workers to sue their employers for negligence and recover greater compensation, including pain and suffering.
Proving Employer Negligence: To file a FELA claim, the injured worker must prove that the employer’s negligence contributed to the accident. A lawyer specializing in FELA claims will help gather the necessary evidence and expert testimony to support the case.
5. Negotiating and Settling Claims
Settlement Negotiation: Railroad companies and their insurance providers often attempt to settle claims quickly for a lower amount. A lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
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.
Top Lawyers for Train Injury Lawsuits
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Romanucci & Blandin is a leading law firm with expertise in handling train injury lawsuits, including FELA claims and personal injury claims from train collisions, derailments, and accidents at railroad crossings.
Specialty: Train injury lawsuits, FELA claims, passenger injuries, derailments, wrongful death
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: Schlichter Bogard has decades of experience representing victims of train accidents. They specialize in FELA claims and personal injury lawsuits, securing large settlements for injured railroad workers and passengers.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad crossing accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: The Brain Injury Law Center specializes in representing individuals who have sustained serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries, often resulting from train accidents. They work to secure compensation for long-term care and damages.
Specialty: Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injury cases, railroad accidents
Website: brain-injury-law-center.com
4. Martin & Jones, PLLC
Location: Raleigh, NC
Overview: Martin & Jones is a well-regarded personal injury law firm with extensive experience handling train injury lawsuits, including those involving FELA claims, train crashes, and wrongful death cases.
Specialty: Train crash injuries, FELA claims, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Website: martinandjones.com
5. Hoey & Farina, P.C.
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Hoey & Farina is a law firm specializing in FELA claims and personal injury cases related to train accidents. They represent railroad workers and passengers who have been injured due to negligence.
Specialty: FELA claims, train derailments, passenger injuries, wrongful death
Website: hoeyfarina.com
6. Wettermark Keith Personal Injury Lawyers
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Overview: Wettermark Keith is an award-winning personal injury law firm that specializes in railroad accident cases, including train injury lawsuits. They offer free consultations and have a strong record of success in securing substantial settlements.
Specialty: Train accidents, FELA claims, wrongful death, catastrophic injury claims
Website: wkfirm.com
Steps to Take After a Train Injury Accident
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health and safety should be your first priority. Even if you don’t feel injured, some injuries may not become apparent until hours or days later.
Document the Scene: If possible, take pictures or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to property. Collect witness information as well.
Report the Accident: Report the incident to the relevant authorities and your employer (if you’re a railroad worker). This creates an official record of the event.
Contact a Train Injury Lawyer: Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options. They will guide you through the process of filing claims and help ensure that you are adequately compensated.
File a Claim: Your lawyer will assist in filing the appropriate legal claims, whether it’s under FELA for railroad workers, personal injury for passengers, or wrongful death if applicable.
Follow Legal Advice: Stay in touch with your lawyer throughout the claims process and follow their advice to maximize your chances of success.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in a train accident, whether as a passenger, railroad worker, or pedestrian, working with a lawyer who specializes in train injury lawsuits is essential. The law firms listed above have extensive experience handling complex train injury cases and can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Whether you need assistance with FELA claims or a personal injury lawsuit, these attorneys are equipped to advocate on your behalf and protect your rights.