If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a Virginia Beach mesothelioma/asbestos lawyer can evaluate your case to determine what type of financial compensation you may be entitled to and who the liable parties may be. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we understand how overwhelming and devastating this diagnosis can be and will work diligently to get you the financial compensation […]
Mesothelioma Cancers and Asbestos Exposure
When a Worker Has Partial Fault in a FELA Case
If you’ve been injured while working for a railroad company and believe your injury is partially your fault, you may wonder if you can still pursue a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) case. The answer is yes since FELA is what is known as a “purely comparative negligence” statute. This means if a jury finds the railroad and employee both […]
What Does FELA Cover?
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is a crucial federal law enacted in 1908 in the United States. FELA serves as a vital legal framework that protects the rights and interests of railroad workers, providing them with compensation and legal recourse in cases of injury or illness resulting from their work. This act was a significant milestone in workers’ rights, […]
Railroad Workers High Risk of Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that usually affects the protective lining of the lungs or abdomen. Inhaling or swallowing airborne asbestos is the number one cause of mesothelioma over a long period of time. People who have been diagnosed with this form of cancer should contact an experienced Virginia railroad injury attorney to explore what legal options they may have. […]
How Can a Railroad Accident Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
Statistics published by the National Safety Council show that 954 railroad accident fatalities took place in the United States in 2022, marking not only a significant 11% increase from the year before but also the highest fatality rate since 2007. Likewise, in that same year, nonfatal railroad accident injuries rose by 6% from 2021 with a total of 6,252 reported […]
What Do I Need to Know About Train Accident Lawsuits?
Roughly 34 million people use mass transportation, including trains, every day. Sadly, train accidents have spiked in recent years. In fact, in 2022, 954 people were killed in railway accidents, an 11% rise from the 859 who were killed the year before. Being injured in a train wreck is much more complicated than a motor vehicle accident. Not only are […]
Who is Liable For a Railroad Crossing Accident?
In 2021, Virginia witnessed four private railroad crossing accidents and 14 public railroad crossing accidents, a considerable increase over the six that took place in 2020. After being injured in a train crossing accident, both passengers and non-passengers are able to file wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits. If you were injured or a loved one was killed in a […]
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 […]