As a railroad worker, you may often be assigned inherently dangerous tasks. But before you embark on these tasks, your railroad company employer should ensure that you are equipped with the proper training, equipment, and assistance from others to minimize the potential of a hazardous outcome as much as possible. Such a catastrophic outcome may be a train crash, which may subsequently result in serious bodily injuries. Well, continue reading to learn how a negligent railroad company might contribute to a crash and how one of the experienced FELA lawyers at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP can help you take affirmative action if you get injured in one.
How might a negligent railroad company contribute to a crash?
Unfortunately, your railroad company employer may not prioritize safety as much as you. Rather, their main concern may selfishly be meeting their bottom line, which causes them to put their earnings over their employees. When their priorities are mixed up in this way, and they begin exhibiting negligence, it is sadly not surprising if a crash occurs on one of their railroads.
For example, to cut down on their spending, your railroad company employer may fail to provide you and your fellow railroad workers with the proper training on railroad switching. This involves moving train cars from one track to another and assembling or disassembling trains. Further, it is important to learn how to use the heavy equipment needed for assembling or disassembling trains, while learning to be mindful of and actively communicate in high-traffic situations. Otherwise, you may accidentally assemble or disassemble a train car on an uncleared track, and get involved in a crash as a result.
In another example, your employer may fail to put their time and money towards addressing a defective piece of machinery or equipment in a timely manner. Say that there is a malfunctioning coupler or brake. A faulty coupler may cause unexpected separations between train cars, while a faulty brake may prevent the train cars from stopping properly. In the end, these unexpected movements may result in your getting crushed or otherwise getting involved in a train crash.
What should I do if I get injured in a train crash?
You should know that the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) is in place to provide federal remedies to railroad workers like yourself who have been injured in train crashes. For this, all you need to do is prove that your railroad company employer was negligent in some capacity, in relation to your crash event. Although, this may be easier said than done.
To better understand your legal rights in the matter at hand, please seek the advisement of one of the skilled FELA lawyers. Please feel confident in knowing that our team at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP has significant experience in handling legal cases just like yours. So call us today.
