Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, railroads have to provide a working environment that is reasonably safe. This involves supplying safe tools, machinery, and equipment and following all recognized safety protocols and safe working methods. What defense tactics am I likely to encounter in my FELA claim? Although this is the law, it is not always the case. In court, […]
Defenses Commonly Used in FELA Liability Cases
Is My Employer Liable for an Equipment Malfunction?
Most railroad employees come into contact with multiple pieces of huge equipment and heavy machinery every day. They know that if these machines are used improperly, they are at risk of being seriously injured. When a piece of equipment malfunctions, however, a worker could still be seriously injured even if they took every required precaution. When is an equipment malfunction […]
Which Railroad Jobs Are the Most Dangerous?
Anyone can sustain a railway injury at any time. Whether you work as a track worker, a trainman, a clerk, or a shop worker, railroads are dangerous places and injuries are not an uncommon occurrence. When a worker in just about any other industry is hurt, their state workers’ compensation program covers their medical bills and a portion of their […]
Are Railroads Required to Obey OSHA?
In specific situations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has jurisdiction over health and safety issues in railroad workplaces. Starting in 1978, the Federal Railroad Administration has acknowledged that OSHA’s proficiency in job site safety pertains to the railway industry. What government agency is in charge of railroad safety requirements? The Virginia railroad injury lawyers at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp […]
Suing Amtrak for Wrongful Deaths and Injuries
Lawsuits involving Amtrak are some of the most complicated in the field of personal injury. This is, in large part, due to their enormous size, with many train accidents occurring at more than 100 miles per hour. Similar to commercial trucking accidents, there are usually multiple parties who could be or share in liability. To make matters even more complicated, […]
What Are the Three Most Common Types of Train Accidents?
In terms of the severity of injuries, victim losses, and other damages, train accidents are rarely trivial incidents. When so much is at stake, you need a railroad accident attorney who will make sure that you receive full and fair financial compensation following a Virginia railway accident. What type of train accident occurs most often? Not only are train accidents […]
Leading Causes of Train Vs Vehicle Collisions in Virginia
While far from the most common kind of motor vehicle accident in Virginia, a collision involving a train and an automobile is usually catastrophic. Victims frequently suffer devastating injuries, such as paralysis, traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage, and traumatic amputation when a locomotive crashes into their vehicle. If this happened to you, you could be entitled to financial compensation […]
Railway Workers and Parkinson’s Disease
Railway workers are at a considerably greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The reason for this is that, historically, they have endured frequent exposure to chemicals that are known to cause Parkinson’s disease, such as welding fumes, chlorinated solvents, and herbicides. Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease does not typically happen until several years after workers have been exposed. Railway workers […]
Despite New Contract Railway Workers Still Experience Quality of Life Issues
Last year, the United States government foisted a contract on railway workers in order to stave off the likelihood of a strike that would have undoubtedly crippled the nation. Unfortunately, according to reports, there has been little to no evidence that this contract has had any measure of success in resolving the quality-of-life issues experienced by railroad employees. As experienced […]
How We Assess a Potential Cumulative Trauma FELA Claim
Our FELA law firm is proud to say we’ve represented hundreds of former, and current, railroad employees in a myriad of different FELA claims. Our experience extends to helping railroad workers suffering from cumulative trauma injuries related to their railroad work. The information below provides an overview of how our firm analyzes and assesses a potential cumulative trauma FELA claim: […]