Do I Have to See the Company Doctor for My Railroad Injury?

When you are injured during your employment as a railroad worker, the first thing you need to do is see a doctor. Since many workers are unfamiliar with the distinctions between workers’ comp and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act they assume that, like workers’ compensation, you can only visit a doctor who has been approved by the rail company. This […]

What Hazardous Chemical Solvents Are Railroad Workers Commonly Exposed To?

Railroads are hazardous working environments. Every day, employees are in danger of being seriously injured by derailments, being struck by trains, using poorly maintained equipment, and slip-and-falls. Those who are employed by major railway companies like Union Pacific, CSX, or Norfolk Southern are also routinely exposed to toxic chemicals and substances that can cause permanent damage to their health and […]

How Do Norfolk Railroad Crossing Accidents Happen?

Railroads are a primary form of public transportation. They are used to transport both people and freight. There are more than 500 rail companies and 210,000 train crossings in the United States. Unfortunately, many railway crossings have no warning signals or lights. These unprotected areas account for more than half of all rail accidents nationwide. If you were injured in […]

What Should I Do After Being Injured in a Norfolk Railroad Accident? 

While trains are considered one of the safest modes of transportation for passengers, they represent a tough and dangerous job for those who work on them. Data published by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that 11 railway workers were killed and roughly 3,500 more were injured in train-related accidents throughout the United States in 2022.  If you were injured […]

What Types of Injuries Does FELA Cover?

In 1908, the United States Congress enacted the Federal Employers Liability Act. The goal was to lessen the atrocious number of fatalities and injuries that were taking place within the railroad industry. FELA was intended to protect railway employees, force rail companies to implement safety measures to protect their workers, and compensate workers who were injured on the job. Railroad […]

What is the FELA Claims Process?

Railroad work is important, but it is also extremely dangerous. Based on your specific job and the responsibilities that come with it, you could face potentially severe injuries, from serious lacerations to broken bones, every day you work.  How do I file a FELA claim? It is essential to understand that if you are injured during the course and scope […]

Rick Shapiro Selected as a 2023 President’s Award Winner by the National Board of Trial Advocacy

The personal injury law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is proud to announce that Richard N. (Rick) Shapiro has been selected as a recipient of the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) 2023 President’s Award. Although many nominations were submitted from across the country, Rick was just one of eight attorneys chosen by the prestigious National Board which certifies […]

Factors That Could Impact Your Railroad Cancer Settlement

Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, any railway worker who is diagnosed with an illness resulting from workplace exposure is eligible to file a lawsuit against their employer. According to FELA, railway employees are entitled to recover compensation for an occupational illness, such as cancer, if they can prove that it, in any measure, was caused by the rail company’s […]

Facts vs. Myths About Filing a FELA Claim

Understanding the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and the process of filing a claim is crucial for railroad workers seeking compensation for workplace injuries. However, misconceptions can cloud judgment and deter individuals from pursuing legitimate claims. In this article, our FELA lawyers dispel common myths and provide factual insights to help you navigate the FELA claims process effectively. MYTH: FELA […]