Connecticut and all other states have compliance regulations that govern railroad work. In 2016, a horrendous crash took place when a locomotive barreling along the tracks at close to 100 mph slammed into a backhoe, resulting in many injuries and several fatalities. Results from a post-accident investigation were recently published, showing that failure to comply with safety regulations was a major factor in the collision. Workers injured in railroad accidents caused by employer negligence are protected under the Federal Employers Liability Act with the right to sue their employers.

In last year’s tragedy, which took place in another state, two people died, one of whom was a railroad supervisor who was standing nearby the tracks when the train hit the vehicle. Investigators say there were many safety infractions leading up to the crash. Officials also say railroad workers were not in possession of the proper safety equipment for the area at the time the accident took place.

The massive train was derailed upon impact in the 2016 Pennsylvania collision. As a result of the crash, 30 passengers suffered injuries. Approximately $2.5 million worth of damage was assessed in the aftermath of the accident.

All Connecticut railroad accidents are tragic but especially those that could have been prevented if employers would have followed existing safety regulations. Any injured worker who wishes to discuss a particular situation in order to consider filing a legal claim may do so by requesting a meeting with an experienced railroad injury lawyer. Compensation from successfully litigated cases is often used to help offset medical bills and other accident-related losses.

Source: USA Today, “NTSB: Amtrak safety lapses caused fatal train crash in Pa.“, Bart Jansen, Nov. 14, 2017