Railroad Slip and Fall Lawyers

Railroad workers are, unfortunately, often subjected to unsafe railroad conditions that can, at times, cause them to slip or trip and fall and sustain serious injury. If you’re a railroad worker who has been injured in a slip and fall accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the skilled FELA lawyers here at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP for a free consultation today.

Slip and Fall Lawyers Representing Injured Railroad Workers

Slip and fall accidents are an unfortunate reality for many railroad workers. No matter your specific occupation, if you work on the railroad and were injured due to dangerous conditions in a slip or trip and fall, you can depend on our dedicated legal team to fight for the compensation you deserve and need to heal.

Railroad Professions Susceptible to Slip or Trip & Falls

Virtually all railroad employees are susceptible to slip or trip and fall injuries, but some of the most common are as follows:

• Conductors: Often moving between train cars and navigating uneven surfaces, making them prone to slips and falls.
• Engineers: Required to climb into locomotive cabs, often facing slippery steps or platforms.
• Maintenance-of-Way Workers: Regularly working on tracks and rights-of-way, where loose gravel or debris can cause trips.
• Track Inspectors: Walking along tracks, often on uneven or unstable surfaces.
• Signal Maintainers: Working near tracks and equipment, frequently in areas with poor footing or obstructions.
• Yardmasters: Moving around rail yards, where spills and debris are common hazards.
• Brake Operators: Climbing on and off moving trains, where footing can be precarious.
• Carmen (Rail Car Repairers): Working on and around railcars, often in cramped or hazardous conditions.
• Bridge and Building Crews: Performing maintenance and repairs in challenging environments, sometimes on slick or unstable surfaces.
• Baggage Handlers: Moving heavy items on platforms, where water, ice, or oil can create slip hazards.

Common Causes of Railroad Slip & Fall Injuries

Railroad slip and fall injuries can occur for a wide range of reasons, some of the most common being:

• Wet or Oily Surfaces: Spills from trains or leaking equipment can create slick areas, posing a risk of falls.
• Uneven Walkways: Cracked or broken platforms, potholes in rail yards, or poorly maintained walkways can cause trips.
• Loose Gravel or Debris: Tracks and rail yards often have gravel, tools, or materials scattered, creating a tripping hazard.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting in rail yards or on walkways can make it difficult to see obstacles or changes in terrain.
• Weather Conditions: Ice, snow, or rain can make surfaces slippery, especially on metal steps, platforms, or ladders.
• Cluttered Work Areas: Tools, equipment, or other items left in walkways can cause trips and falls.
• Improperly Maintained Equipment: Defective ladders, steps, or handrails can fail, leading to accidents.
• Sudden Train Movements: Unexpected jolts or movements of trains can cause workers to lose balance and fall.
• Obstructed Pathways: Rail yards and tracks may have cables, hoses, or other obstacles that create a tripping hazard.

Recovering Compensation

Recovering compensation for a railroad slip and fall injury under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) requires demonstrating that the railroad was at least partially negligent in maintaining a safe working environment. Under FELA, you have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. To successfully recover compensation, it’s crucial to:

• Document the Incident: Report the slip and fall injury to your supervisor immediately and ensure it is recorded accurately. Keep records of all medical treatments and any expenses related to the injury.
• Establish Negligence: Proving that the railroad failed to provide a safe work environment is key. This could involve showing evidence of unsafe conditions, such as unaddressed spills, inadequate lighting, or poorly maintained equipment.
• Gather Witness Testimony: Statements from co-workers who witnessed the incident or can attest to the unsafe conditions can be invaluable.
• Consult with a Skilled FELA Lawyer: A knowledgeable FELA attorney can help gather evidence, navigate the legal complexities, and build a strong case on your behalf to maximize your compensation.

FELA claims are unique in that they allow for full compensation of damages, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering, unlike workers’ compensation claims. Our legal team is here to help you understand your rights and work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Contact Our Railroad Injury Lawyers Today

Don’t face a serious railroad injury alone–contact the knowledgeable FELA lawyers here at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP so we can get started working on your case and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Railroad Slip and Fall Claims

How long do I have to file a FELA slip and fall claim?

Under FELA, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file suit, as set by 45 U.S.C. Section 56. Missing this deadline usually bars your claim, so it is important to act promptly.

Can I still recover if I was partly at fault for the fall?

Yes. FELA follows a comparative negligence rule under 45 U.S.C. Section 53, meaning your own carelessness reduces your damages by your share of fault but does not bar recovery. If the railroad violated a federal safety statute that contributed to your fall, your damages are not reduced at all.

What does it mean that the railroad must provide a safe workplace?

FELA requires railroads to use reasonable care to provide a reasonably safe place to work. Failing to clean spills, light walkways, or maintain steps and handrails can be evidence of the negligence needed to support your claim. See our overview of injuries from getting on and off moving equipment.