Cumulative Stress Injury Lawyers

Not every injury suffered by railroad workers is the result of a single accident or event. Some injuries and medical conditions develop over time, but can be just as painful and debilitating, even resulting in permanent disability benefits claims through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). If you’ve sustained a cumulative stress injury while working on the railroad, contact our dedicated FELA lawyers today.

Common Cumulative Stress Injuries

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whole-body vibration injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff separation
• Pulled, strained, and sprained muscles
• Tendonitis, joint and ligament damage
• Pinched nerve injuries

Railroad employees do not qualify for injury benefits under a workers’ compensation insurance program. Injured railroaders can only recover compensation for on-the-job injuries or conditions by suing their employer under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Like any employer, though, railroads will aggressively defend themselves from such lawsuits.

Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, in Oakland and Los Angeles, California, is recognized as one of the preeminent FELA litigation firms in the nation. For more than 90 years, injured railroaders and their families have been counting on our lawyers for aggressive, effective representation to help them recover the financial compensation they need for themselves and their families.

Musculoskeletal Disorder Known As Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

The human body simply wasn’t designed to withstand cumulative vibrations and jolts. After years spent standing or sitting in a powerful locomotive, bouncing and swaying over long miles of track, muscles begin to break down, ligaments tear and joints begin to separate. WBV injuries — often referred to as cumulative trauma or repetitive stress injuries — are common, painful, and can result in permanent disability.

Railroads Have Known About WBV For Years, But Still Deny It

The first in-depth report about cumulative trauma resulting in WBV injuries was conducted in 1972 and concluded that locomotive seating should be improved. In 1980, a study sponsored by the Association of American Railroads recommended further improvements due to an increased reporting of lower back and buttocks injuries among engineers. In 1998, a definitive study conducted by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) concluded that improper seating in the cab is one of “the most thoroughly documented” problems associated with railroad worker injuries.

Musculoskeletal Injuries To Ankles, Knees, Hips And Backs

Injuries due to footing conditions are common. Many railroad employees suffer discrete injuries to their ankles, knees, backs, hips, and shoulders as a consequence of repetitive trauma due to improperly maintained working conditions. Although these cases can be very difficult to prove, the attorneys at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP carefully screen such cases and, in some situations, represent those who have suffered serious injury to the joints.

When To Report A Cumulative Stress Injury

Unaware of the causes of WBV, many railroad workers don’t associate their pain, immobility, and musculoskeletal injuries for many months or even years after the first symptoms become evident. If you are starting to feel general pain or have suffered very real injuries to a muscle or joint area, it may be associated with your work in the cab. Don’t wait to see if the pain will go away. Your job does not include suffering debilitating pain from WBV injuries.

Contact Our Cumulative Stress Injury Lawyers

Reach out to our firm to provide a brief description of your symptoms and the conditions of your railroad employment. We will return your call or message to schedule a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We handle all FELA railroad injury and FRB disability claims on a contingency fee basis. Contact our cumulative stress injury lawyers today.