Yes, working on railroads can lead workers to suffer burn injuries resulting from fires, explosions, exposure to harmful substances, and even extreme weather conditions. Depending on the severity of the injury, workers can require extensive medical treatment. As such, if a worker’s railroad company contributed to the accident in any capacity, the worker may be eligible to seek compensation through the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). With that being said, please follow along to find out how you can get a burn injury doing railroad work and how one of the proficient FELA lawyers at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP can help recover the damages from yours.
Railroad Burn Injuries Are More Common Than Many Workers Realize
Workers on our nation’s railroads routinely encounter dangerous electrical systems, equipment, flammable materials, and even extreme environmental conditions. As such, burn injuries may occur suddenly, leaving workers with life-long emotional, physical, and financial impacts.
Key Considerations
- Burn injuries can happen on many railroad job sites, like rail yards, maintenance facilities, and on locomotives
- Railroad burns can arise from a number of accidents, including electrical malfunctions, welding, or explosions
- Severe burns can cause permanent scarring, impede mobility, and require extensive medical care
- Injured railroad workers may be entitled to compensation under FELA if employer negligence contributed to the accident
How Can I Get a Burn Injury From Railroad Work?
Getting burned in the process of railroad work may happen in more ways than one. The specific types of burn injuries a railroad worker may be made the victim of are as follows:
Friction Burn
- Happens when a railroad worker excessively handles a piece of equipment that grinds against their skin
- May result from repeated contact with moving machinery or abrasive materials
- Can result in damage to multiple layers of skin
Cold Burn
- Happens when a railroad worker is forced to work under extremely cold weather conditions with exposed skin
- Can result from prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures
- May result in tissue damage akin to thermal burns
Chemical Burn
- Happens when a railroad worker comes into contact with a chemical that is spilled or improperly contained
- Hazardous substances may include industrial substances like solvents, cleaning agents, or corrosive chemicals
- Urgent medical attention is required
Radiation Burn
- This happens when a railroad worker gets hit by sparks from welding torches without the proper protective gear
- May occur during track maintenance or train repair tasks
- Can result in damage to both the skin and the underlying tissues
Electrical Burn
- This happens when a railroad worker comes into contact with a high-energy electrical current during a switching operation
- May result from overhead electrical systems, energized equipment, or wiring defects
- May cause internal injuries that are not immediately visible
Flame Burn
- This happens when a railroad worker is in the vicinity during a diesel engine fire, electrical wiring fire, or malfunctioning equipment fire
- Can result from both locomotive and maintenance work
- Often involve serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention
Explosion and Arc Flash Burns
- This can happen when pressurized systems suddenly and unexpectedly fail
- Electrical arc flashes can result in temperatures up to three times hotter than the surface of the sun
- Can result in severe thermal burns within seconds
What Damages Can Result From a Burn Injury on the Railroad?
Burn injuries suffered by railroad workers can extend beyond immediate physical pain, often requiring extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and reconstructive surgeries. As such, a burn injury can impact nearly every aspect of a railroad worker’s life.
Burn injuries can result in symptoms ranging from skin blisters and redness to nerve damage, infections, and permanent tissue damage. In serious cases, railroad employees may need hospitalization, reconstructive surgery, and skin grafts to recover from their injuries
Physical Injuries and Medical Complications
- Second-degree burns can require extensive wound care
- Third-degree burns may require surgical procedures
- Full-thickness burns generally require skin grafts
- Risks of infections increase with serious burns
- Nerve damage can result in loss of sensation or chronic pain
Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement
- Even after treatment, permanent scarring can remain
- Visible scarring may impact self-confidence and emotional well-being
- Workers can suffer from social anxiety
- Scarring can impact future employment opportunities
Reduced Mobility and Functional Limitations
- Scar tissue can inhibit movement
- Workers can lose flexibility
- Daily activities may be difficult and result in pain
- Physical restrictions can impact job duties
Amputation Risks
- Serious burns may impact the blood supply, resulting in infections
- Some injuries can render tissue non-viable
- Physicians may determine that amputation is medically necessary
Wrongful Death
- Railroad fires and explosions can be fatal
- Smoke inhalation may result in life-threatening injuries
- Families of killed railroad workers may be eligible to seek wrongful death damages
When Can a Railroad Company Be Held Liable Under FELA?
Under FELA, injured railroad workers can seek compensation if a railroad company’s negligence contributed to the accident. Workers must prove that their employer contributed, at least partially, to the accident that caused their injuries.
Railroad employers are generally expected to maintain reasonably safe workplaces by properly training employees, identifying potential hazards, and complying with applicable safety regulations that govern railroad work and employee safety.
Examples of Railroad Negligence
- Failure to maintain equipment
- Failure to adequately train workers on how to handle hazardous materials
- Failure to repair electrical hazards
- Failure to follow workplace safety regulations
- Failure to properly store chemicals
- Failure to provide adequate burn-resistant protective equipment
Potential Compensation Available Under FELA
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfiguration
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Contact an Experienced Railroad Injury Attorney Today
If a railroad worker experiences a second-degree, third-degree, or full-thickness burn, they may require skin grafts on the affected areas that cannot heal on their own. Even though this may improve its appearance, there may still be permanent scarring that causes a worker shame and embarrassment when showing themselves in society. To conclude, before you step into a civil courtroom, you must seek one of the talented FELA lawyers to stand by your side. Please contact our office, Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, as soon as you are ready.
