If a Connecticut railroad worker is injured on the job, the Federal Employers Liability Act enables the employee to file a personal injury claim if employer negligence was a causal factor in the incident. A railroad accident recently occurred that landed a conductor of a railroad in another state in the hospital. Rescue workers who were dispatched to the scene came upon a situation that necessitated use of hydraulic rescue tools.

The accident happened near a cement company that shuttles trains cars from its property out to a main line. A conductor was reportedly exiting a train when a shuttle wagon that moves train cars suddenly rolled right into him. He became trapped between the shuttle wagon and the train.

The initial impact of the collision was apparently so forceful it caused two train cars to derail. Rescue workers had to cut through the train car to free the conductor from his trapped position. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

If a Connecticut worker were to be injured in a similar railroad accident, it might result in a partial or full disability that prevents the worker from returning to the job. The FELA entitles an employee injured on a railroad job to file a claim to collect benefits to help cover medical expenses and help make ends meet during recovery. If the worker is unable to return to work, railroad disability benefits are accessible through a separate application process. An attorney who is experienced in railroad litigation can provide guidance and support regarding any legal workplace injury issue that arises.