How railway workers can be injured on the job

If you have ever spent time working for a railroad, you know how hazardous the work can be. There are many ways that a rail worker can be injured, and almost infinite types of injuries he or she can sustain. Because the work is so dangerous, rail employers owe it to their workers to provide a safe working environment.

When railway employers fail to protect their workers’ safety, tragic accidents can happen. Employees injured because of negligent railroads deserve compensation for their injuries. However, rail workers are typically not covered by workers’ compensation insurance like other employees.

When a rail worker is injured on the job, they must file a FELA lawsuit. They must also show that their employer’s negligence caused or contributed to their accident. The complications surrounding a FELA case are such that it is in an injured worker’s best interest to discuss their situation with an experienced law firm.

Workers can suffer a variety of injuries, including:

• Repetitive motion injuries to back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs, and wrists
• Broken bones and fractures
• Exposure to asbestos and other poisonous substances
• Exposure to toxic chemicals that lead to brain injury
• Lung injury, cancer, COPD, emphysema and other problems from diesel exhaust
• Facial injuries and head trauma from falls or dropped objects
• Psychological trauma from accident events or near-events
• Leg, ankle, hip, or feet injuries from walking on ballast or falling on ballast
• Tinnitus from loud noises and lack of ear protection

Not only are the injuries listed above painful to experience, but they can also lead to long-term physical or mental damage and reduced earning capacity. For example, if you suffer a debilitating back injury you may be unable to return to your job and you may not be able to engage in similar work for the rest of your life. This means you can’t provide for yourself or your family the way you used to.

If your railway employer was at fault for your injuries – even just partially – then they own you compensation for your accident. You have not only today’s bills to think of, but the future as well.

Don’t leave yourself at the mercy of the railroad and their insurance company or representatives. Contact a skilled, experienced law firm like Vujasinovic & Beckcom to find out how they can help you level the playing field against the big companies who would rather not pay you benefits.

Vujasinovic & Beckcom P.L.L.C

1001 Texas Avenue, Suite 1020

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: 713.224.7800

Fax: 713.224.7801