If you’ve been involved in a train accident, seeking a legal expert who specializes in this area is essential to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Train accidents can involve complex legal issues, such as liability, regulatory compliance, and multiple parties being involved, including the railroad companies, contractors, and government agencies. Here’s a guide on how a legal expert can help with train accident claims, and some top law firms specializing in this area.
How a Legal Expert for Train Accidents Can Help
1. Investigating the Cause of the Train Accident
Thorough Investigation: A legal expert will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the train accident to identify the cause. Common causes of train accidents include human error, mechanical failure, signal malfunctions, and poor track maintenance.
Collecting Evidence: The expert will collect critical evidence such as accident reports, train data logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements. They will also work with experts in areas like engineering, safety, and medical fields to support your case.
2. Determining Liability
Railroad Companies: Often, the railroad company is held responsible for accidents due to negligence in maintenance, employee training, or safety measures. The expert will help determine whether the company’s actions or inactions contributed to the crash.
Equipment Manufacturers: In cases where defective equipment or failure of machinery played a role in the accident, manufacturers may be held liable for product defects or design flaws.
Government Entities: Railroad crossings, signage, and track maintenance are sometimes overseen by local or state governments. An expert can evaluate if these entities contributed to the accident through improper design or maintenance.
3. Handling Complex Legal Frameworks
FELA Claims (For Railroad Workers): Railroad workers injured in accidents may be able to file claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). This law allows workers to sue their employer for negligence, rather than relying on workers’ compensation.
Passenger Injury Claims: Passengers injured in a train accident can file personal injury claims against the responsible parties, including the railroad company or a third party responsible for maintaining the train or track.
Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one died in a train accident, an expert in train accident law can help file a wrongful death claim to secure compensation for the surviving family members.
4. Pursuing Compensation
Medical Expenses: Your legal expert will help you recover compensation for medical bills related to the accident, including emergency treatment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: If you’ve missed work due to injury, the legal expert will pursue compensation for lost wages and potential future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: In addition to economic damages, your lawyer will help you recover compensation for the emotional and physical pain caused by the injury.
Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in a train accident, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
5. Negotiating and Settling Claims
Insurance Negotiation: Railroad companies typically carry insurance that will cover some of the claims, but they may try to settle for a lower amount. Your legal expert will negotiate with insurers to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Litigation: If the railroad company or its insurers do not offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will take the case to court and advocate on your behalf in front of a judge and jury.
Top Legal Experts for Train Accident Claims
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Romanucci & Blandin is a leading law firm specializing in personal injury and railroad accident cases. They have a track record of successful outcomes for clients injured in train collisions, derailments, and other related incidents.
Specialty: Train collisions, derailments, FELA claims, passenger injuries, wrongful death
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: Schlichter Bogard is well known for handling FELA claims and train accident litigation. They focus on securing large verdicts for railroad workers and passengers injured in train accidents.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad crossing accidents, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Specializing in brain and spinal cord injuries, this firm represents victims of train accidents, particularly those with serious, long-term injuries. They focus on catastrophic injury claims that require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
Specialty: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injury cases
Website: brain-injury-law-center.com
4. Martin & Jones, PLLC
Location: Raleigh, NC
Overview: Martin & Jones is an experienced personal injury law firm with a focus on railroad accidents, particularly FELA claims. They have a strong record of securing favorable verdicts for injured railroad workers and passengers.
Specialty: Train crash injuries, FELA claims, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Website: martinandjones.com
5. Hoey & Farina, P.C.
Location: Nationwide
Overview: Hoey & Farina specializes in railroad accident cases, representing both workers and passengers injured in train accidents. They have extensive experience in FELA claims and other personal injury lawsuits involving railroad accidents.
Specialty: FELA claims, train derailments, passenger injuries, wrongful death
Website: hoeyfarina.com
6. Wettermark Keith Personal Injury Lawyers
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Overview: Wettermark Keith has represented numerous victims of train accidents, securing substantial settlements for those injured in train collisions and derailments. They also handle railroad crossing accidents and related personal injury claims.
Specialty: Train collisions, FELA claims, wrongful death, catastrophic injury claims
Website: wkfirm.com
Steps to Take After a Train Accident
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries don’t seem serious, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Injuries from train accidents may not show immediate symptoms.
Document the Incident: If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Collect contact information for witnesses and take note of the time, location, and conditions.
Contact a Legal Expert: Reach out to a lawyer who specializes in railroad accidents as soon as possible. They will help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing claims.
File Your Claim: Your legal expert will help file claims with the appropriate parties, including FELA claims for railroad workers, personal injury claims for passengers, and wrongful death claims if necessary.
Follow Legal Guidance: Stay in contact with your lawyer throughout the process, whether negotiating with insurance companies or preparing for litigation.
Conclusion
Train accidents can cause severe injuries and long-term consequences. If you’ve been injured in a train collision or derailment, it’s essential to work with a legal expert who specializes in railroad accidents. The law firms listed above have extensive experience in this area and can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Whether you are filing a FELA claim, personal injury lawsuit, or wrongful death claim, these legal experts will provide the necessary guidance to protect your rights and ensure a fair outcome.