Are Railroads Required to Obey OSHA?

In specific situations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has jurisdiction over health and safety issues in railroad workplaces. Starting in 1978, the Federal Railroad Administration has acknowledged that OSHA’s proficiency in job site safety pertains to the railway industry.  What government agency is in charge of railroad safety requirements? The Virginia railroad injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp […]

Automated Train Operation A Cause For Concern

In recent years, the rapid evolution of automated vehicles has been a mainstay in the news as people either welcome the technology or raise concerns about safety. While all this is going on, railways companies have been working diligently behind closed doors on Automatic Train Operation, an innovation that could forever change how cargo is shipped across the United States.  […]

Is the Railroad Staffing Shortage Affecting Worker Safety?

All across the United States, staffing shortages are crippling major industries. The problem is especially critical on the railroads where indications of a strike nearly shut down services and paralyzed the economy. These worker shortages are not good for safety or for business on railroads where current conditions already have employees stretched to their breaking point.   In September, a standoff […]

Is There a Cap on Damages for FELA Claims?

There are no limits on the recovery of compensation in FELA claims. To seek damages, a railroad injury attorney may factor in current as well as future wages, and other non-economic losses to the railroad worker. Juries award compensation in FELA lawsuits in proportion to the injuries and the degree of negligence. Factors That Affect the Value of Damages in […]

A Contractor For My Railroad Caused My Injury. Does The FELA Statute Still Apply?

Contract work is widely pervasive on a railroad, be it tree trimming, snow plowing, or crew transport. Contractors on a railroad are an unavoidable necessity. With the railroad outsourcing much of its work, the worksites inevitably will have some workers who are not very well-versed with the railroad work method. And when many of these people are working together, the […]