Just like any other piece of equipment, railcar equipment is not immune to having underlying defects that cause it to malfunction at a moment’s notice. In response, the Safety Appliance Act (SAA) makes railroad employers maintain certain safety standards for frequently used pieces of equipment in the workplace. A failure to comply with this Act may give an injured railroad worker the right to sue their negligent employer under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). With all that being said, please follow along to find out how a piece of defective railcar equipment can possibly cause an accident and subsequent injury, and how one of the proficient defective railcar equipment injury lawyers at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP can help you in the aftermath of your personal experience.
What Federal Laws Regulate Railcar and Locomotive Equipment?
Like operational safety standards, railroad equipment safety is of the utmost importance for railroad companies and workers. There are multiple federal statutes that require strict adherence to safety standards and compliance with maintenance and inspection schedules. When a violation occurs, railroad workers may have the legal grounds to seek compensation for the damages they have suffered.
Safety Appliance Act (SAA)
- Requires railcars to have functional:
- Hand brakes
- Grab irons
- Ladders
- Couplers
- Other safety equipment
- Imposes strict liability in the event that the required equipment is missing or damaged
- Applies even if the railroad was unaware of the defect
- Often cited in the event of crushing, coupling, or brake-related injuries
Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA)
- Requires locomotives and related structures and equipment are in proper working condition and safe for functional operation
- Violations can establish railroad liability without the need to prove traditional negligence
- Often arises in derailment, mechanical failure, and rail fire claims
Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act allows injured employees to file a claim directly against their employer in the event their employer’s negligence caused or contributed to an injury. As such, injured railroad workers must abide by this system rather than traditional workers’ compensation.
- Only applies to railroad employees, not general personal injury plaintiffs
- Allows compensation for damages like medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages
- Three-year statute of limitations
- Adheres to the comparative fault standard
How Can Defective Railcar Equipment Cause An Accident?
Railcar and locomotive equipment can weigh hundreds of tons, making even low-speed switching operations dangerous. As such, when brakes, couplings, or structural components fail or do not function properly, the momentum involved can make these injuries catastrophic.
Defective Couplers and Connecting Systems
- Couplers that fail to lock properly may separate when bearing a load
- Workers may suffer crush injuries if manually coupling
- Sudden separation can result in uncontrolled railcar movement
- Impact forces can result in traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and other catastrophic injuries
Brake System Failures
- Air brake malfunctions may prevent a locomotive from stopping in time
- Brake imbalances can result in derailments
- Runaway railcars can injure workers in railyards
- Sudden stopping failures can result in workers falling from elevated heights
Structural and Frame Defects
- Corrosion can compromise load-bearing capacity
- Structural collapse can trap or injure nearby workers
- Ladder or grab iron failures can result in falls from considerable heights
- Door malfunctions can result in crush injuries
Fuel and Electrical System Failures
- Faulty fuel tanks can leak, ultimately igniting
- Electrical malfunctions can result in explosions
- Workers can endure serious burn injuries
- Catastrophic injury can result in permanent disfigurement
What Types of Injuries Can Defective Rail Equipment Cause?
Due to the immense size and weight of railroad equipment, injuries involving failures and defects can result in severe, if not catastrophic, injuries. To reduce the risk of injury, it is imperative to use all equipment as intended and adhere to safety standards and regulations.
Crush and Amputation Injuries
- Limb loss
- Pelvic and spinal fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Permanent disability
Severe Burn and Disfigurement
- Third-degree burns resulting from fuel-related fires
- Permanent scarring and visible disfigurement
- Facial fractures resulting in permanent deformity
- Mental anguish as a result of the disfigurement
Long-Term Functional Disabilities
- Chronic pain
- Loss of limb function
- Inability to return to railroad employment
Who Can Face Legal Responsibility for Injuries Caused by Defective Railcar Equipment?
Due to the nature of railroad equipment defects, it can be challenging to determine who is ultimately liable for the damages that have occurred, as responsibility can fall to multiple parties. In general, you’ll find that railroad companies are often the primary defendant, but other entities may share liability depending on the circumstances of the accident.
In California, railroad injury claims typically proceed in both state and federal court, as procedural rules will depend on whether the employer is a private rail carrier, regional transit authority, or publicly operated railroad system. Understanding jurisdiction is critical when pursuing a FELA claim.
Railroad Employer Liability Under Federal Law
- Failure to properly inspect equipment
- Failure to remove defective equipment from use
- Ignoring complaints about safety and defective equipment
- Violating SAA or LIA regulations
Third-Party Manufacturers or Contractors
- Manufacturers can face liability for the production of defective equipment
- Mechanics can face liability for improper installation of parts
- Contractors can face liability for negligent inspection
Contact an Experienced California Railroad Injury Attorney
If you find yourself in need of legal aid following an injury caused by defective railcar equipment, look no further than one of the talented FELA lawyers with Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP. Our California-based firm is proud to represent workers across the West Coast. Whether you simply have a legal question or require legal representation in an upcoming court case, our team at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP is willing to help out. Please pick up the phone and contact us today.
