When a railroad worker is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the legal and financial consequences can be overwhelming. An experienced railroad attorney understands that this aggressive cancer is almost always linked to long-term asbestos exposure in the workplace. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our FELA and railroad lawyers represent injured railroad workers and their families nationwide. If you or a loved one […]
Mesothelioma Lawsuits for Railroad Workers Under FELA
Challenges of Filing a FELA Claim for a Back Injury
When a railroad worker suffers a serious back injury, the legal road ahead can be complex and adversarial. An experienced railroad attorney understands that these cases are rarely simple and often involve aggressive defense tactics by major rail corporations. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our FELA and railroad injury lawyers represent injured railroaders nationwide and have seen firsthand how physically […]
Filing a FELA Claim for Repetitive Stress Injuries
When a railroad worker develops chronic pain, numbness, or weakness that worsens over time, a skilled FELA attorney immediately looks beyond a single accident and evaluates whether the condition may be a repetitive stress injury. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, our FELA lawyers have represented railroad workers nationwide who suffer from cumulative trauma and overuse injuries caused by years of […]
What Is the Difference Between FELA and Workers’ Compensation?
When a railroad worker is injured on the job or develops a serious occupational illness, the legal path forward is very different from that of most other employees. An experienced FELA attorney understands that railroad injury claims are governed not by state workers’ compensation systems, but by a powerful federal law known as the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). At […]
Are There Damage Limitations in FELA Claims?
Railroad employees face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the country. When injuries or fatalities occur, railroad workers are protected by a federal law known as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). One of the most common questions injured railroad workers and their families ask is: Are there damage limitations in FELA claims? The short answer is no […]
Railroad Switching Operations: One of the Most Dangerous Jobs on the Rails
Railroad switching operations are among the most dangerous tasks performed by rail employees. Engineers, conductors, switchmen, brakemen, and track workers are routinely required to work on the ground, between moving railcars, and alongside active locomotives, often with little physical protection. In Virginia’s busy freight corridors, ports, rail yards, and industrial spurs, switching work places railroad employees in constant proximity to […]
Railroad Crossing Accidents in Virginia: Why These Crashes Happen and Who May Be Responsible
Railroad crossings remain one of the most dangerous intersections on Virginia roads. Trains can approach at any time, from either direction, and modern locomotives are often quieter than people expect, giving drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists less warning that a train is coming. When something goes wrong at a railroad crossing, the results are often catastrophic. According to the Federal Railroad […]
Railroad Asbestos Exposure in Virginia: How Decades of Corporate Decisions Still Cause Mesothelioma Today
For much of the 20th century, U.S. railroads were among the largest industrial users of asbestos. The mineral was prized for its heat resistance, fireproofing qualities, and durability, making it an attractive material for locomotives, rail cars, cabooses, and rail yard facilities. Unfortunately, asbestos is also highly toxic and cancer-causing, and its widespread use has left a devastating legacy for […]
Can You Trust a Railroad Claim Agent with Your Case?
If you’ve been hurt while working for a railroad company, you may have already heard from a claim agent. This person may sound friendly, helpful, and even reassuring. They may tell you that you can just sit back and relax while they take care of everything. They might even go so far as to tell you that you don’t need […]
What Steps Should I Take After a Railroad Injury to Protect My FELA Claim?
Train engines, freight cars, grueling conditions, dangerous obstacles, and heavy machinery create substantial dangers for those who earn a living on railroads. Railroad employees are, fortunately, protected by an important federal statute, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. If you are a railroad worker who was injured on the job, you need to work with an experienced Norfolk FELA lawyer who […]