Railroad Injury & FELA Attorneys
Railroad work is demanding, dangerous, and unforgiving when something goes wrong. If you were hurt on the job (on the tracks, in the yard, in a shop, or in transit) you donât have to face the railroad alone. McEldrew Purtell represents injured railroad workers in Federal Employersâ Liability Act (FELA) claims across the United States, pursuing compensation when employer or coworker negligence played any role in your injury, even in the slightest.
We advocate for railroad workers in all crafts and departments, including:
- Contractors and third-party workers performing railroad tasks
- Train and engine crews (conductors, engineers, assistant conductors)
- Maintenance-of-way and track workers
- Signal and communications employees
- Car and locomotive shop employees (machinists, electricians, carmen)
- Yardmasters and dispatchers
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
Why FELA Is Different From Workersâ Compensation
Unlike state workersâ compensation, FELA is a federal negligence law for railroad workers. To recover, an injured rail employee must show that the railroadâs negligence contributed to the injury. Damages available under FELA are broader than typical workersâ comp benefits and can include full wage loss, future earning capacity, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of lifeâs pleasures.
Key differences:
- Fault matters: You must prove railroad negligence (unsafe conditions, rule violations, inadequate staffing, defective equipment, unreasonable work quotas, etc.).
- Comparative negligence: Any fault assigned to you can reduceâbut does not barârecovery.
- Jury trial rights: You have the right to bring a case in state or federal court and request a jury.
- Broader damages: Economic and nonâeconomic losses are both recoverable.
Deadline: Most FELA claims must be filed within three years of the injury or discovery of an occupational disease. Act quickly to protect evidence and your rights.
How We Prove Railroad Negligence
These are the events we see most oftenâthey Railroads are obligated to provide a reasonably safe workplace. Our team investigates quickly to document:
- Rule and regulation violations (carrier rules, FRA regulations, industry standards)
- Equipment and track conditions (photographs, measurements, preservation letters)
- Crew size, training, and supervision (records and testimony)
- Dispatching and work assignments (fatigue, unrealistic time pressures)
- Maintenance logs and inspection records
- Prior incident history and systemic hazards
We work with safety engineers, human factors experts, industrial hygienists, and medical specialists to connect the railroadâs conduct to your injury and future losses.
Common Railroad Workplace Injuries We Handle
Traumatic incidents
Derailments, yard mishaps, runâovers, pinches/crushes, falls from equipment, coupling/uncoupling injuries.
Equipment hazards
Defective handrails/steps, faulty brakes, poor lighting, broken ballast, cluttered walkways, bad radios.
Unsafe practices
Excessive hours, inadequate manpower or training, unsafe switching, improper lockout/tagout, ignored safety rules.
Repetitive stress & cumulative trauma
Back, shoulder, knee, and hand/wrist conditions from years of heavy lifting, vibration, and awkward postures.
Toxic exposures & occupational disease
Diesel exhaust, silica/ballast dust, solvents, welding fumes, asbestos, and hearing loss from chronic noise.
Psychological injuries & post-traumatic stress
PTSD, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance after fatalities, serious near-misses, or catastrophic events often compounded when railroads minimize incidents or discourage reporting.
What Your FELA Case May Be Worth
Your recovery depends on your unique facts, but damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity (including missed overtime and benefits)
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent impairment
- Household services and outâofâpocket costs
Families pursuing wrongful death claims under FELA may recover for economic support, benefits, and related losses.
What To Do After a Railroad Injury
- Report the injury to the carrier factually and completely. Avoid speculation.
- Seek medical care from a provider you trust. You are not required to treat only with railroadâsuggested doctors.
- Preserve evidence: take photos, keep defective parts if safe, note witnesses and times, save your PPE and clothing.
- Do not give recorded statements to claim agents before speaking with counsel.
- Call McEldrew Purtell for a free, confidential consultation.
Learn More
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