An Amtrak worker injured on the job in January has a long history of public service. He spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy and served his community as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. He has also coached several of his sons’ sports teams. Sadly, the same man now lies in a hospital bed after suffering life-threatening railroad worker injuries.

Connecticut railroad workers and others have grown increasingly concerned with reported lack of safety on many of the nation’s rail systems. The military veteran was working as a lineman for Amtrak when something went very wrong one day. He was electrocuted and endured approximately 12,000 volts of current in his body. Because of a previous surgery that necessitated leaving metal in his back, doctors say he likely survived because much of the current was directed toward the metal instead of his vital organs.

His road to recovery has been arduous thus far, however. Infection following 10 different surgeries necessitated amputation of the man’s hands and a toe. Surgeons also had to remove most of one of his arms. The man’s wife said her husband is as strong as they come; yet, she knows the road ahead will be long and challenging as he has always earned his living and given to his community through use of his hands.

Railroad worker injuries like this man’s have prompted many in Connecticut and elsewhere to criticize Amtrak for its apparent weaknesses in providing safe working environments for its employees. Many workers across the country have filed lawsuits against employers for negligence. An experienced attorney who is well-versed in FELA claims can assist anyone considering filing one.

Source: Newsday, “Critically injured Amtrak worker from Ronkonkoma battles to go home“, Alfonso A. Castillo, Feb. 10, 2018