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 […]
Are There Damage Limitations in FELA Claims?
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 […]
World Lung Cancer Awareness Day: Understanding the Impact of Asbestos on Railroad Workers and Legal Options
August 1, 2025, is World Lung Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about lung cancer and highlighting the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment. For many people, lung cancer is an unfortunate reality that they have to face, but for certain occupational groups, the risk of developing lung cancer is significantly heightened due to exposure to […]
How Do I Properly Document My Railroad Worker Injury?
If you sustained an injury as a railroad worker, documenting every single detail of the incident is essential for building a strong case. Whether the injury was the result of long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, hazardous working environments, or a serious accident, the way you choose to document the claim will play a significant part in the outcome. Appropriate documentation […]
What Railroad Executives Knew About Asbestos and When They Knew It
Our Virginia-based FELA law firm has collected an extensive archive of documents showing that leaders in the railroad industry possessed significant knowledge about the dangers of asbestos as early as the 1920s. Doctors who were employed and consulted by rail corporations openly discussed the link between occupational exposures to asbestos and deadly diseases during annual conferences. Written recommendations to spray […]
Most Dangerous Railroad Jobs for Asbestos Exposure
The question of where a railroad worker suffered harmful exposures to asbestos on the job always comes up in cases concerning mesothelioma and other lung diseases. My colleagues and I never fail to hear this from clients, who honestly want to know. We also hear it from opposing attorneys defending railroad corporations who want to “prove” that worksites were safe […]