Oregon Railroad Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in a railroad-related accident in Oregon, Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP is here to help. As a leading railroad injury law firm in Oregon, we have a long track record of successfully representing victims of railroad accidents, including workplace injuries, passenger accidents, and incidents at railroad crossings. Our firm is dedicated to fighting for the rights of railroad workers, passengers, and pedestrians who have been harmed due to negligence or unsafe conditions. Contact our dedicated Oregon railroad injury lawyers for a free consultation today.

Understanding Railroad Injury Cases in Oregon

Railroad injury cases are often complex, involving both federal and state laws, as well as industry-specific regulations. At Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, we have extensive experience handling these unique cases, ensuring that your claim is handled with the highest level of skill and care.
In Oregon, railroad injuries may occur in various scenarios, including:

• 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

Oregon-Specific Railroad Laws and Regulations

Railroad injury claims in Oregon must navigate both federal laws, like FELA, and state-specific regulations. Oregon enforces strict rules governing the operation and maintenance of railroads, and the state also mandates specific safety requirements at railroad crossings. A few critical aspects that affect railroad injury cases in Oregon include:

• Oregon Railroad Safety Laws: The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) oversees railroad safety, including inspections, accident investigations, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. When safety violations occur, they can be significant in proving negligence.
• Railroad Crossing Accidents in Oregon: Oregon has over 1,400 public railroad crossings, and safety at these crossings is a major concern. Railroad companies and local governments are responsible for maintaining these crossings and ensuring proper signals and barriers are in place. Failure to do so can lead to liability in the event of an accident.
• FELA Claims for Railroad Workers: Unlike typical workers’ compensation claims, FELA requires injured railroad workers to prove their employer’s negligence. This makes it crucial to have skilled legal representation familiar with the complexities of FELA litigation.

Contact Our Railroad Injury Lawyers in Oregon Today

Don’t face a serious railroad injury on your own–contact the knowledgeable and skilled team of personal injury lawyers here at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP for a free consultation today. We stand ready to fight for you, every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Railroad Injury Claims

How long do I have to file a railroad injury claim in Oregon?

It depends on the claim. A railroad worker’s FELA claim generally must be filed within three years under federal law, 45 U.S.C. Section 56. Most non-FELA Oregon personal injury claims, such as those by passengers or motorists at crossings, have a two-year deadline under ORS 12.110.

Can I recover if I was partly at fault for a crossing accident?

For Oregon state-law claims, yes, up to a point. Oregon follows a modified comparative negligence rule under ORS 31.600. You can recover if you are 50 percent or less at fault, with your recovery reduced by your share, but recovery is barred at 51 percent or more.

Who regulates railroad crossing safety in Oregon?

The Oregon Department of Transportation oversees crossing safety at the state level, working alongside the Federal Railroad Administration, which sets national rail safety standards. See our overview of railroad crossing accidents.