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What Types of Railroad Injuries May I Have a Claim For?


Road construction worker lying on the ground after terrible accidentRailroad workers and passengers face unique risks that can lead to serious injuries. From strenuous physical labor to unexpected accidents, the dangers are numerous and often severe. If you’ve been injured while working on the railroad or as a passenger, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding the types of railroad injuries that may qualify for a claim is essential for protecting your rights and securing your future. At Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law, we are committed to helping victims understand their options and obtain the settlements they deserve. 

Railroad Worker Injuries and Claims

Working on the railroad is physically demanding and can expose employees to hazardous conditions. Here are some of the most common injuries that may warrant a claim:

Back and Spinal Injuries

Repetitive lifting, bending, and twisting can result in severe back and spinal injuries. These injuries can lead to chronic pain and disability, affecting your ability to work. Railroad back injury settlements have helped many workers cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Shoulder and Joint Injuries

Handling heavy equipment and performing repetitive tasks can cause shoulder and joint injuries. Such conditions may require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Railroad shoulder injury settlements compensate workers for their suffering and financial losses.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Accidents involving collisions or falls can lead to TBIs, which have long-term cognitive and physical effects. Victims may require ongoing medical care and support, making legal representation crucial for adequate compensation.

Occupational Diseases

Prolonged exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, silica dust, and diesel exhaust can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, silicosis, and respiratory conditions. FELA case settlements have provided relief to workers affected by these occupational illnesses.

Hearing Loss

Constant exposure to loud noises from machinery and trains can result in permanent hearing loss. Workers may be entitled to compensation for this often-overlooked injury.

Burns and Electrocution

Working with electrical equipment and high-voltage lines exposes railroad workers to the risk of burns and electrocution. These injuries can be life-threatening and may lead to long-term disabilities. Victims can seek compensation under railroad injury law to cover medical treatments and lost wages.

Crush Injuries and Amputations

Heavy machinery and moving trains pose a significant risk of crush injuries and amputations. Such traumatic injuries can result in permanent disability, impacting a worker’s ability to earn a living. Legal claims can help secure funds for medical care and rehabilitation.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, and obstacles can cause slip and fall accidents. These incidents may lead to fractures, sprains, or head injuries, warranting compensation for medical expenses and lost income through railroad settlements.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Performing repetitive motions can cause conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. These injuries can limit a worker’s ability to perform job duties and may require medical intervention and time off work.

Respiratory Conditions

Inhalation of dust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants can lead to respiratory illnesses like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Victims may be entitled to compensation through the FELA claims process.

Eye Injuries

Flying debris, chemical splashes, or inadequate eye protection can result in eye injuries or vision loss. Such injuries can be life-altering and may qualify for significant railroad injury settlement amounts.

Vibrational Injuries

Continuous exposure to vibration from heavy machinery can cause circulatory disorders like vibration white finger (VWF) or Raynaud’s phenomenon. These conditions may limit dexterity and grip strength, affecting job performance.

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) allows railroad workers to file claims against their employers for injuries caused by negligence. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, FELA requires the injured party to prove that the employer’s negligence played a role in their injury. This process can be complex, making it essential to work with the best FELA attorneys who understand the intricacies of railroad injury law

Passenger and Bystander Injuries and Claims

Train passengers can be injured in various ways, including:

  • Derailments
  • Collisions with other vehicles
  • Slip and falls on boarding platforms or inside trains
  • Assaults by other passengers

People outside of trains can also be injured in railroad accidents. This can occur in situations such as:

  • Vehicle collisions at railroad crossings
  • Pedestrians struck by trains
  • Debris thrown from trains

Passengers and bystanders injured in train accidents also have legal rights. They may pursue claims against the railroad company for negligence. The specific damages you can recover in a railroad injury claim will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. Recoverable damages may include:

  • Past, present, and future medical bills associated with your injuries.
  • Compensation for wages you are unable to earn due to your injuries.
  • Compensation for the loss of future earning potential due to your injuries.
  • Compensation for the physical and emotional pain caused by your injuries.

If you have been injured in a railroad accident, it is important to consult with an experienced railroad injury lawyer as soon as possible. A New Haven, CT railroad injury lawyer can advise you of your legal rights, help you gather evidence, and negotiate with the railroad company for a fair settlement.

Take Action Today with Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law

Protecting your rights after a railroad injury is critical. Whether you’re a worker suffering from a back injury or a passenger injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law has the experience and dedication to guide you through the legal process and fight for the settlement you deserve. With a proven track record in railroad injury settlements, our team is ready to assist you. Contact us today to take the first step toward securing your future.

  • $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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If you are a railroad worker who has been injured on the job, you need a lawyer who understands the complicated FELA claims process. Find out how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

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