California Railroad Injury Lawyers

In California, railroad work is often dangerous, physically demanding, and subject to unique risks that many other occupations do not face. With heavy machinery, moving trains, and long hours, even the most diligent safety practices cannot eliminate all hazards. When accidents happen, injured railroad workers need to know their rights, understand how the law protects them, and recognize the types of compensation they are entitled to under federal and state law. At Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, our experienced California railroad injury lawyers are committed to helping injured railroad workers navigate these complex legal paths and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Railroad Injury Lawyers Serving Clients in California

Here at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, our skilled California railroad injury lawyers have experience representing clients who’ve sustained injuries in all types of railroad accidents, including the following:

• Slips, Trips & Falls
• Getting On and Off Moving Equipment
• Lifting Injuries
• Switching Injuries
• Cumulative Trauma Injuries
• Crush Injuries
• Amputations
• Defective Railcar Equipment Injuries
• Defective Locomotive Equipment Injuries
• Van Transportation Accidents
• Train Passenger Injuries
• Train Derailment Injuries
• Railroad Crossing Injuries

Legal Protections for Injured Railroad Workers in California

Unlike other workers, railroad employees are not typically covered by California’s workers’ compensation laws. Instead, railroad injury claims are primarily governed by a federal law known as the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Passed in 1908, FELA provides a framework for injured railroad workers to pursue compensation from their employers in cases of injury caused by negligence. This law allows employees to bring lawsuits directly against the railroad company if their injury resulted from unsafe working conditions, insufficient training, defective equipment, or other preventable issues related to negligence.

FELA is different from standard workers’ compensation in several critical ways:

• Fault-Based Claims: Under FELA, a worker must demonstrate that the railroad company’s negligence contributed to the accident. This differs from traditional workers’ compensation, where fault does not need to be proven.
• Types of Damages: FELA allows injured workers to recover a broader range of damages, including full compensation for pain and suffering, which is generally not available under workers’ compensation.
• Comparative Negligence: Even if the worker’s own negligence partially contributed to the accident, they could still recover damages under FELA. However, their compensation may be reduced according to their degree of responsibility in the incident.

At Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, our attorneys have extensive experience handling FELA claims for injured railroad workers across California. We know how to investigate these cases thoroughly, gather essential evidence, and build a compelling case that emphasizes the employer’s role in the accident.

How Our Railroad Injury Lawyers Can Help You

Our firm understands that an injury can create significant financial burdens, especially for workers who may be sidelined for an extended period. Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP offers legal support to injured railroad workers through every step of the claim process. Here’s how we can help:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We start by examining the details of your accident, including working conditions, employer practices, and any relevant equipment failures. This helps us identify the aspects of negligence necessary to build a strong claim under FELA.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Proving negligence in a railroad injury case requires a substantial amount of evidence. We will collect safety records, maintenance logs, witness statements, and expert testimonies to establish a clear link between employer negligence and your injury.
• Negotiation and Litigation: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will pursue fair compensation on your behalf, whether through settlement or trial. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, our team is fully prepared to present a compelling case in court.
• Medical and Financial Guidance: Railroad injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Our team can connect you with the resources you need and help you understand the full scope of your damages, so you are compensated fairly.

Types of Compensation Available for Injured Railroad Workers

A successful FELA claim may allow an injured railroad worker to recover various forms of compensation. The types of damages available under FELA differ from those typical in California workers’ compensation cases and are generally more comprehensive. These include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers past, current, and future medical costs related to the injury, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: If the injury prevents you from returning to work or forces you into a lower-paying job, FELA allows you to claim for lost income as well as for diminished earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Unlike California’s workers’ compensation system, FELA permits compensation for pain, suffering, and mental anguish caused by the injury. These damages reflect the physical and emotional toll the injury has taken on the worker’s life.
• Permanent Disability: If the injury results in a permanent disability that affects your ability to work or impacts your quality of life, you may be entitled to additional compensation for the long-term effects of the injury.

At Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, we are committed to securing the maximum compensation available to our clients. We believe that injured workers deserve a fair recovery that reflects the full impact of their injuries on their lives and livelihoods.

Contact Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP for a Free Consultation

If you are a railroad worker in California who has been injured on the job, don’t wait to seek legal help. Navigating a FELA claim can be challenging, especially while you’re coping with the physical and emotional toll of an injury. Our attorneys at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP are here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you through each step of the process. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and provide you with options for moving forward.

Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP today to learn more about how we can assist you in this challenging time.

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