Across Lafayette, railroads serve as vital transportation networks, ensuring that goods and people move efficiently from one location to another. While railroads often provide a more cost-effective and efficient means of transport compared to large trucks, they can also present significant dangers to those who work on or near them. Railroad accidents frequently lead to severe injuries, and to maximize the compensation you can recover after an incident, it is essential to contact a railroad injury lawyer in Lafayette to discuss your claim. Call Tomeny | Best today to begin working with a dedicated personal injury attorney.
Who Can File a Railroad Injury Claim?
You have the right to file an injury claim if you sustain harm due to the negligence of a railroad company or its workers. This includes:
- Passengers injured in a railroad accident
- Passengers in other vehicles harmed in a crash due to poor maintenance of the rails
- Individuals who live or work near railroads and sustain exposure to toxic chemicals as a result of train derailments
- People who sustain direct injuries from a train derailment
Additionally, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) grants railroad workers the right to file claims when dangerous working conditions or the negligence of the railroad result in on-the-job injuries. Given the hazardous nature of railroad work, failure to maintain safe conditions can lead to substantial damages. Working with a Lafayette railroad injury attorney is the best way to determine your options for compensation after getting hurt.
Common Causes of Railroad Injuries
Railroad injuries can arise from various factors, including:
Human Error
Railroad workers often face long hours in physically demanding roles, which increases the likelihood of mistakes that may result in injuries.
Maintenance Issues
Regular maintenance is crucial for trains, rail cars, and tracks. Poorly maintained tracks significantly heighten the risk of train derailments.
Collisions
Collisions involving trains, obstacles on the tracks, or other people can result in severe injuries for all parties involved. Common injuries include back and neck injuries, brain injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries. While many collisions stem from human error, they can also result from mechanical failures.
Toxic Substance Exposure
Exposure to toxic substances can considerably elevate the risk of developing various health conditions and types of cancer. Workers may encounter these substances regularly, especially if routine maintenance on chemical transport cars is neglected. Additionally, in the event of a train derailment, both passengers and nearby individuals may be at risk of chemical exposure.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Railway workers often perform strenuous tasks that require repeated movements, increasing their risk of repetitive stress injuries. Such injuries can lead to chronic pain and long-term weakness.
Electrocution
Electrical components of trains may not receive the necessary maintenance, resulting in a heightened risk of electrocution for workers, passengers, and others. Electrocution can lead to severe burns, organ damage, and traumatic injuries.
Regardless of the cause, a railroad injury attorney in Lafayette could help establish the best steps to take to pursue compensation.
Contact a Railroad Accident Attorney in Lafayette Today
If you have sustained injuries in a railroad accident due to the negligence of another party, you may be entitled to file a claim for compensation covering your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Attempting to handle this claim on your own may hinder your chances of receiving the full compensation you deserve. Reach out to a railroad injury lawyer in Lafayette at Tomeny | Best Injury Lawyers to learn more about your rights and how we can assist you.
