Railroad Liability

• Asbestos exposure/mesothelioma: Railroad workers are often exposed to asbestos on the job. Months or years later, they can develop mesothelioma: a cancer affecting the membranes lining the lungs, abdominal cavity, heart and testicles. Asbestos exposure has also been linked with asbestosis, lung cancer and some gastrointestinal cancers.
• Derailed trains: When a railroad repair crew is careless, a conductor is distracted or other problems occur, a train can jump the tracks and potentially cause catastrophic damage to passengers, employees and bystanders. Many victims suffer brain injuries, spinal cord damage, suffocation, burns and even wrongful death during these accidents.
• Dangerous railroad crossings: When gates and warning alarms are not properly maintained, passenger vehicles can easily become caught on the tracks and struck by trains. Other accidents occur when trains fail to sound their horns, the view at the crossing is obstructed by trees, or objects protrude from the locomotive.
• Toxic exposures of railroad employees: Workers can suffer injuries from exposure to diesel fumes, cleaning agents and other dangerous chemicals and substances. Railroad workers’ injury claims may fall under the umbrella of Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

Compensation Available Under FELA

Under FELA, injured railway workers can recover compensation for pain and suffering, lost income and medical expenses when their injuries are caused by their work. If the railroad fails to exercise reasonable care and it results in the death of a worker, his or her family members may sue to reclaim their financial losses.