When Railway Employees are Injured
Roughly 13,000 train accidents occurred in 2007, during the course of which over 5,000 employees were injured. Employee injury accounted for 60 percent of all railroad accident injuries in 2007. When an employee does suffer harm while in the course of employment, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) regulates possible lawsuits.
FELA allows injured railway workers to collect compensation from their employers; however employer fault must be proven. Railroad employees are commonly subjected to dangerous conditions; common injuries result from slip and fall accidents and exposure to toxic chemicals. Recent FELA cases also address issues and injuries related to railroad employee fatigue.
Currently, a Madison County, Illinois FELA lawsuit was filed in response to a worker being regularly fatigued through irregular work shifts and scheduling that developed into a sleep disorder after several years. The employee claims not only that the railway company, Norfolk Southern, failed to provide adequate rest periods, but also that the company failed to warn of the dangers related to irregular sleep patterns. The employee claims that workplace safety was neglected, and after working in such an environment for several years a sleep disorder developed, creating depression, pain and mental anguish.
By the nature of the railway industry, railroad employees are subjected to working long and irregular hours at various times. Although the federal government regulates work hours, railway companies still have a duty to provide their employees with a safe work environment, so as not to cause health complications. Visit Page//Cagle's Railroad Accident website to learn more about FELA, railroad accidents and lawsuits.
In this case above, the railway company ultimately claims they are not liable because the federal government mandates work hours. However, the employee’s attorney alleges the injuries were caused from working irregular shifts not long hours. The choice of a FELA experienced attorney can greatly impact the outcome of your lawsuit.
When dealing with a railway work-related injury, it is important to choose an attorney who is familiar with FELA and railroad accident lawsuits; they will simply be able to provide better legal guidance and advice through previous practice and acquired skills.
The Page//Cagle railroad accident attorneys aggressively litigate FELA lawsuits, as well as other railway related claims. They are dedicated to assisting those injured through railway accidents and are committed to aggressively representing those individuals against the railway companies and their insurance providers.
The Page//Cagle St. Louis personal injury lawyers can be directly contacted through an online contact form on their Railroad Accident website. You can also call them at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.866.620.5757. The call and consultation are free.
Page || Cagle is located at 1232 Washington Ave., Suite 220, St. Louis, MO 63103.
