Railroad work is dangerous and sometimes deadly due to the nature of the work itself as well as the environment where railroad work is completed.  A recent study by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (USBLS) provided some important insights into the nature of this work and the reasoning behind the necessity for the Federal Employers Liability Act or FELA.

According to the USBLS railroad workers are much more likely to suffer a severe injury while at work and twice as likely to suffer a fatal injury on the job.  The most dangerous activity according to the study was “maintenance way and construction activity.”  Of the 400 railroad worker deaths evaluated in the study, 122 involved workers who were performing maintenance on the railroad system or construction associated with existing tracks.  82 of these fatal injuries were caused by a worker being struck by a railway vehicle.  Other causes of fatal railroad worker accidents included electrocution, falls and falling objects.

Railroad work is dangerous and sometimes deadly and always filled with risk.  Thousands of railroad workers suffer injury each year while at work in a rail yard or while performing way maintenance.  The weight of the rail cars and equipment and the forces involved with railroad accidents often result in serious and sometimes catastrophic injuries.  Crush related injuries can result in the amputation of arms or legs in some cases and paralysis in others.  Unfortunately broken bones and fractures are quite common amongst railroad workers as well as injuries to the back and neck.

The experienced FELA injury attorneys at Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington, PLLC (HLH) each have decades of experience in FELA related injury and wrongful death cases.  We thoroughly investigate all aspects of the scene and work to preserve crucial evidence as well as witness accounts.  Each of our attorneys has extensive trial experience and this helps to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for our clients in a FELA injury or wrongful death case.

We invite you to review the recommendations of former clients and the legal industry and contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 to learn more about claims relating to an injury or fatality associated with railroad work.