If you’ve worked on a Connecticut railroad for some time now, you likely have a good understanding of how difficult it is to stop a moving train in time to avoid collision. Your employer may use advanced technology, such as automatic emergency braking systems, to help improve worker safety on the tracks.
That doesn’t always provide enough support to avoid a crash, however. So many extenuating circumstances can suddenly and adversely affect railroad travel. Whether you are an employee or a passenger, you are at great risk for injury if a collision occurs. If you suffer injury, you will need a lot of support during recovery.
Fatal incidents are especially tragic
Trains moving at or above 10, 20 or 30 miles per hour typically cause tremendous damage if they collide with something. Such situations often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. The following list provides details regarding the devastating outcome of a recent train wreck in another New England state:
- The collision took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. on a recent Saturday.
- A train operator tried to avert disaster by employing the locomotive’s emergency braking system.
- The operator’s efforts were not enough to stop the train in time to avoid a crash.
- Investigators say there were two people on the tracks at the time.
- The train hit a 36-year-old man and a 33-year-old woman.
- Sadly, officials pronounced both pedestrians dead at the scene.
- There were approximately 200 children among 355 passengers on board the train when it crashed.
As a Connecticut railroad employee, you understand the relief those passengers must have felt when no one on board the train suffered injury even though there was great sorrow in learning the fatal outcome the situation had for two people outside the train. Railroad officials offered a public statement of condolence to the families of the victims.
The Federal Employers Liability Act protects you
When you work on a railroad, the FELA provides protection against employer negligence as a causal factor in a collision that results in your injury. If you file a benefits claim or pursue litigation against your employer, you will want to make sure you understand all the rules and regulations that apply to your situation before taking any formal action.