If you’ve been injured in a railroad accident or have lost a loved one due to a train collision or derailment, it is essential to seek out an experienced railroad accident claims attorney. Train accidents can involve complex legal issues, including federal and state regulations, negligence claims, and multiple parties being held responsible. An experienced attorney will help you navigate this complexity and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries or losses.
Here’s a guide on how a railroad accident claims attorney can help and a list of top law firms specializing in railroad accidents.
How a Railroad Accident Claims Attorney Can Help
1. Investigating the Accident
Cause Determination: Train accidents can result from numerous causes, including human error, equipment failure, track defects, or signal malfunctions. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident by reviewing accident reports, black box data, maintenance records, and any available video footage.
Gathering Evidence: The lawyer will gather evidence such as witness statements, photographs, and expert opinions to build a strong case for your claim.
2. Determining Liability
Railroad Companies: Railroad companies may be held liable for accidents caused by their negligence, such as poor maintenance of tracks, failure to comply with safety regulations, or inadequate training of employees. The attorney will work to establish that the railroad company’s actions or inactions were the cause of the accident.
Government Entities: In some cases, government agencies responsible for managing and maintaining railroad crossings or infrastructure may also be liable for accidents if their negligence contributed to the collision.
Third Parties: Manufacturers of defective equipment, contractors, or other parties may also be held accountable if their actions contributed to the accident.
3. Pursuing Compensation
Medical Expenses: Your attorney will help you recover compensation for medical treatment required as a result of the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, ongoing therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss work, the lawyer will pursue compensation for your lost income, as well as future earning potential if your injuries are long-term.
Pain and Suffering: In addition to economic damages, a railroad accident attorney will help you seek compensation for the emotional distress, physical pain, and loss of quality of life caused by the accident.
Property Damage: If your personal property was damaged or destroyed in the accident (such as a vehicle), your attorney will seek compensation for repair or replacement costs.
4. Filing FELA Claims (For Railroad Workers)
FELA Claims: If you’re a railroad worker, you may be eligible to file a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Unlike typical workers’ compensation claims, FELA allows you to sue your employer for negligence and recover more significant damages, including pain and suffering.
Proving Employer Negligence: The attorney will help you demonstrate that the railroad company’s negligence (e.g., poor safety practices, lack of maintenance) contributed to your injury, allowing you to claim compensation under FELA.
5. Negotiating and Settling Claims
Settlement Negotiation: Railroad companies and insurance providers often attempt to settle claims quickly and for less money than they are worth. An experienced attorney will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Court Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge or jury.
Top Railroad Accident Claims Attorneys
1. Romanucci & Blandin, LLC
Location: Chicago, IL
Overview: Romanucci & Blandin is one of the leading law firms for railroad accident claims. They have a history of successfully representing victims of train accidents, including workers and passengers. They specialize in FELA claims and personal injury lawsuits resulting from railroad accidents.
Specialty: FELA claims, train collisions, derailments, wrongful death, passenger injuries
Website: rblaw.net
2. Schlichter Bogard LLC
Location: St. Louis, MO
Overview: Schlichter Bogard is a law firm known for handling railroad accident claims and securing large settlements for clients. They focus on FELA claims and have helped railroad workers and passengers recover compensation for injuries and fatalities resulting from train accidents.
Specialty: FELA claims, railroad crossing accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries
Website: uselaws.com
3. Brain Injury Law Center
Location: Nationwide
Overview: This firm specializes in representing victims of catastrophic injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, which are common in railroad accidents. They work to secure compensation for long-term medical care and damages caused by serious accidents.
Specialty: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, catastrophic 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 handling railroad accident cases, including those involving FELA claims and personal injury lawsuits. 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 FELA claims and personal injury cases related to railroad accidents. They have decades of experience in railroad accident law and a proven history of securing favorable outcomes for clients.
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 a well-regarded personal injury law firm that handles railroad accident cases, including train collisions and derailments. They offer free consultations and have successfully represented clients in obtaining substantial settlements.
Specialty: Train collisions, FELA claims, wrongful death, catastrophic injury claims
Website: wkfirm.com
Steps to Take After a Railroad Accident
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Even if you feel okay, some injuries from train accidents may not be immediately obvious.
Document the Accident: Take notes of the details of the accident, including the location, time, and any contributing factors. Take pictures or video of the scene, if possible.
Contact a Railroad Accident Claims Attorney: Speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and the steps you need to take. They will guide you through the legal process.
File Your Claim: Your lawyer will help you file the necessary claims, including FELA claims for workers, personal injury claims for passengers, and wrongful death claims if applicable.
Follow Legal Advice: Stay in regular contact with your attorney and follow their guidance to ensure the best outcome for your case.
Conclusion
Railroad accident claims can be complex and involve multiple parties, including the railroad company, contractors, and government entities. An experienced railroad accident claims attorney can help you navigate these complexities and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The law firms listed above have extensive experience in handling railroad accident cases and can provide the legal expertise you need to secure a favorable outcome. Whether you are filing a FELA claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or pursuing a wrongful death claim, a railroad accident lawyer will protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.