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Hazards that Railroad Employees Face


railroad worker checking up wheels and braking system of freight trainThe railroad industry demands strict adherence to safety protocols to mitigate many risks for their employees. However, despite best efforts, the nature of the work inherently involves significant dangers. Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law, a firm with deep roots in railroad injury law, stands ready to support workers and their families in understanding their legal rights and potential compensation avenues after an accident.

Top 10 Hazards Railroad Workers Face

Here are the top 10 hazards that railroad workers face, each presenting unique risks and challenges that can significantly impact their safety and well-being:

  • Exposure to Harmful Substances

Railroad employees often handle or are in proximity to hazardous materials. This exposure can occur during the transportation of chemical cargo or through the maintenance of trains and tracks, leading to severe health risks including respiratory issues and cancer. Proper safety training and adherence to regulations are essential to mitigate these risks.

  • Physical Injuries and Strain

The demanding physical nature of railroad work can result in both acute and chronic injuries. Common ailments include back and shoulder injuries from repetitive motions, heavy lifting, and the operation of heavy machinery. Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law has successfully secured railroad back injury settlements and railroad shoulder injury settlements, aiding many workers in their recovery.

  • Collisions and Derailments

Though rare, collisions and derailments represent some of the most severe hazards, with high risks of injury or death. The attorneys at Cahill & Perry have extensive experience in managing claims related to these traumatic events, leveraging their deep understanding of railroad injury law to support affected workers and their families.

  • Falls from Heights

Working on elevated platforms or equipment poses a significant fall risk. Falls can lead to serious injuries, particularly when safety measures like harnesses or guardrails are inadequate or ignored.

  • Electrical Hazards

Electrical maintenance and repair are integral parts of railroad work, exposing workers to potential electrical shocks or burns, which can be fatal. Ensuring all electrical systems are properly maintained and that safety protocols are followed is crucial.

  • Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The constant noise from engines and other machinery can lead to long-term hearing damage if protective gear is not used consistently. This occupational hazard is common among long-serving railroad workers.

  • Extreme Weather Conditions

Railroad work does not stop for adverse weather, which means workers are often exposed to extreme conditions—both hot and cold—that can lead to heat stroke or hypothermia.

  • Vibration Injuries

Long-term exposure to vibration from machinery and trains can cause conditions such as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), which can be debilitating.

  • Psychological Stress

The high-stress environment of railroad work, especially in operational roles that involve safety and time pressures, can lead to significant psychological stress and associated health problems.

  • Risk of Assaults and Robberies

Certain railroad roles, particularly those involving the transport of valuable goods or working in isolated areas, may face higher risks of assaults and robberies.

Each of these hazards underscores the need for robust safety protocols and the importance of legal support from experienced professionals. Workers who have suffered from these hazardous conditions should seek a FELA attorney to explore potential compensation through FELA claims.

Case Results of Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law

Our railroad injury lawyers have successfully secured substantial FELA case settlements, underscoring their commitment to achieving justice for railroad workers. Noteworthy examples include the $8 million settlement for Louis Cevasco, a contractor who suffered a crushed leg at Penn Station, and a $7 million settlement for Herbert Renert, a 63-year-old foreman who underwent a double leg amputation. Each case reflects the firm’s dedication to providing comprehensive legal support, ensuring that workers and their families receive the compensation they deserve. 

Partner with a Trusted Leader in Railroad Injury Law

Choosing the right legal partner is crucial when facing the aftermath of a railroad injury. Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law, with over four decades of focused legal practice, has the experience and commitment needed to guide railroad employees through the legal process toward just compensation. If you or a loved one has been affected by a railroad-related injury, reach out to the best FELA attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your options.

  • $10.8 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Conductor wrongful death case. (Avery v. Metro-North RR).
  • $8 Million settlement for an Amtrak Trackman who sustained a crushed leg. (Cevasco v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $7 Million settlement for a Metro-North Foreman whose legs were amputated. (Renert v. Metro-North RR).
  • $5.8 Million settlement for an Amtrak Conductor who sustained a head injury. (Fitzpatrick v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $5.5 Million settlement for a Metro-North Machinist wrongful death case. (Pieger v. Metro-North RR).
  • $4.3 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Conductor wrongful death case. (Ard v. Metro-North RR)
  • $2.57 Million Verdict for an Amtrak Conductor who sustained a back injury. (Pace v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $2.5 Million Settlement for a Metro-North employee who sustained a serious head injury.
  • Settled for a Confidential Sum for a Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company Trackman wrongful death case. (Macaulay v. Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company.)
  • $6.250 Million Verdict in 2023 which was later reduced to $2.1 Million for a Metro-North Structural Welder/Ironworker who sustained head and neck injuries and has returned to work. (Torres v. Metro-North RR).
  • $2 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Lineman who sustained an electrical burn (Curly v. Metro-North RR).
  • $2 Million Settlement in 2020 for a Providence & Worcester Railroad Company Conductor who sustained a serious head injury and returned to work for another RR as an Engineer. (Scarpa v. Providence & Worcester Railroad Company.)
  • $2 Million Settlement for a Metro-North Conductor who sustained a fractured leg.
    Settled for a Confidential Sum in 2019 an Amtrak Lineman involving an electrocution causing a permanent occupational disability. (Anderson v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $1.85 Million Verdict for an Amtrak Ticket Agent who was assaulted. (Schneider v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.)
  • Compensatory and punitive damages Verdicts and subsequently settled for $1.8 Million in 2023 for a Metro-North
  • Conductor who suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Moran v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority).
  • $1.69 Million Settlement for an Amtrak Supervisor who was shot by an employee. (Cornelius v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.)
  • $1.65 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Lineman who sustained foot and ankle injuries. (Keating v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.65 Million Verdict for a Metro-North TA Employee who sustained an Open Tibia Fracture to his left leg. (Rivera v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.54 Million Verdict for an Amtrak General Foreman who sustained a herniated disc in his lower back. (Brady v. National Railroad Passenger Corporation).
  • $1.45 Million Verdict for a Construction Worker who sustained a left hip injury. (Quintiliani v. National Railroad Passenger Corporation).
  • $1.42 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Machinist who sustained a fractured rib and a herniated disc. (Hall v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.4 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Mechanical Gang Foreman who sustained burns from an explosion of steam on an engine. (Berry v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.4 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Carpenter Foreman who sustained a back injury. (Kendall v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.3 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Signal Trainee Maintainer who sustained a back injury from a slip and fall. (Moran v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.2 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Signal Maintainer who sustained a back injury and post-concussion syndrome. (Manes v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.2 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Trackman who sustained crushed legs. (Murillo v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1 Million Settlement for a Metro-North Trackman who sustained burns from pot welding and subsequently returned to work. (Burke v. Metro-North RR).

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