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 […]
What Is the Difference Between FELA and Workers’ Compensation?
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 […]