Working on a Connecticut railroad (or any other railway system in the nation) is an extremely dangerous job. There have been several recent railroad accidents that resulted in railroad worker injuries and deaths. Fortunately, recovering railroad workers are protected by the Federal Employers Liability Act with the ability to sue employers based upon evidence of negligence that either caused or substantially contributed to their injuries.
The FELA process is complex and can be quite challenging to navigate without assistance from someone well-versed in railroad worker injury law. A key factor to keeping stress levels to a minimum is to seek understanding ahead of time of the steps to take following an accident on the job. Acting promptly and thoroughly to carry out all necessary tasks may help expedite the claims process and help an injured worker obtain the benefits to which he or she may be entitled in a timely manner.
The first important step to take following an injury suffered on-the-job at a railroad company is to report the incident to the appropriate officials. There is usually a specific injury form to fill out; when doing so, an injured worker should provide as much information and details as possible regarding the accident, as well as what may have caused it. Such documents are often used as evidence when FELA claims are filed.
It’s always a good idea to seek independent medical evaluation of one’s injuries following any medical attention obtained through one’s employer in the immediate aftermath of a railroad accident. Not all injury symptoms are immediately apparent either, so even if pain or discomfort develops days or weeks later, it is best to consult with one’s personal physician. Any work missed (including the day of the accident) should be carefully documented as well.
Appropriate union representatives should also be informed of railroad worker injuries among members. An experienced personal injury attorney who is well-versed in railroad injury law can be a great asset to a recovering Connecticut railroad worker. An attorney can also assist an immediate family member of a deceased accident victim who wishes to pursue justice in court.
Source: FindLaw, “FELA Claims: What to Do If You are Injured“, Accessed on Nov. 21, 2017