If you’ve been involved in a train crash, whether as a passenger, railroad worker, or pedestrian, hiring a personal injury lawyer who specializes in train crash cases is essential to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Train crashes can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage, and navigating the legal process can be complex. A personal injury lawyer will help you identify the responsible parties, determine liability, and pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Here’s an overview of how a personal injury lawyer for train crashes can help and a list of top law firms specializing in this area.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer for Train Crash Can Help
1. Investigating the Cause of the Train Crash
Accident Cause: A personal injury lawyer will investigate the cause of the train crash to determine who is liable. Common causes of train accidents include human error, defective equipment, poor track maintenance, signal malfunctions, or improper training.
Gathering Evidence: The lawyer will gather evidence such as accident reports, black box data, surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert testimonies to build a solid case for your claim.
2. Determining Liability
Railroad Companies: Railroad companies may be liable if the crash occurred due to their negligence, such as poor maintenance, failure to follow safety protocols, or inadequate employee training.
Equipment Manufacturers: If the crash was caused by faulty equipment, such as a malfunctioning train brake or signaling system, the manufacturer or maintenance company could be held responsible.
Government Entities: If the accident occurred at a railroad crossing due to malfunctioning gates or lights, local or state government agencies responsible for maintaining those crossings may be liable.
Third Parties: Contractors, vendors, or other third parties involved in track maintenance or safety operations may also be held accountable.
3. Pursuing Compensation
Medical Expenses: If you were injured in the train crash, the lawyer will help you recover compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment.
Lost Wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, your lawyer will pursue compensation for lost wages and future earnings if your injuries are long-term or permanent.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation can also be sought for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering caused by the crash and its aftermath.
Property Damage: If your property was damaged in the crash, including your vehicle or personal belongings, your lawyer will help recover compensation for repairs or replacement.
4. Filing Personal Injury Claims
Passenger Injury Claims: If you were a passenger on the train, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the railroad company for injuries sustained due to their negligence or unsafe conditions.
Railroad Workers’ Injury Claims (FELA): If you are a railroad worker, you may be eligible to file a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which allows railroad workers to sue their employer for negligence and recover compensation for injuries, including pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one was killed in the crash, the family may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional distress.
5. Negotiating and Settling Claims
Settlement Negotiation: Railroad companies and insurance providers may try to settle claims quickly for a lower amount. Your personal injury lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court and advocate for your rights, seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Top Personal Injury Lawyers for Train Crash Cases
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Romanucci & Blandin is known for handling complex personal injury and train crash cases. They specialize in representing injured passengers, railroad workers, and pedestrians involved in train accidents. They focus on maximizing compensation for their clients.
Specialty: Train crashes, FELA claims, passenger injuries, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: Schlichter Bogard has decades of experience handling train crash cases and FELA claims for railroad workers. They have a proven track record of securing large settlements for clients injured in railroad accidents.
Specialty: FELA claims, train collision injuries, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: The Brain Injury Law Center specializes in representing individuals with severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord injuries caused by train crashes. They focus on securing long-term care compensation and other damages.
Specialty: Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injury claims, train crashes
Website: brain-injury-law-center.com
4. Martin & Jones, PLLC
Location: Raleigh, NC
Overview: Martin & Jones is an experienced personal injury law firm that handles train crash injury cases. They specialize in representing injured railroad workers and passengers in FELA and personal injury claims.
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 FELA claims and representing clients involved in train crashes. They have experience handling cases for both railroad workers and passengers.
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 clients in numerous train crash injury cases, securing substantial compensation for those involved in train collisions and derailments.
Specialty: Train crashes, railroad crossing accidents, FELA claims, wrongful death
Website: wkfirm.com
Steps to Take After a Train Crash Injury
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is crucial to get medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
Report the Incident: Report the accident to the authorities and, if applicable, to your employer (for railroad workers). Ensure that an official record of the accident is made.
Document the Scene: If possible, take photos or videos of the scene and any damages. Gather witness contact information and document any details that may be helpful in proving liability.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Reach out to a lawyer experienced in train crash injury cases as soon as possible. They will advise you on the next steps, help you understand your rights, and begin working on your claim.
File a Claim: Your lawyer will help you file the necessary claims, including FELA claims for railroad workers or personal injury claims for passengers and pedestrians.
Follow Your Lawyer’s Advice: Stay in close communication with your lawyer and follow their advice throughout the claims process to ensure the best possible outcome.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured in a train crash, it’s essential to work with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in this area. The law firms listed above have the expertise and experience to help you secure the compensation you deserve, whether you are filing a FELA claim as a railroad worker, pursuing a personal injury claim as a passenger, or filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one. A skilled lawyer will guide you through the legal process, from determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies and advocating for you in court.