In 2019, train-related deaths increased by 11% from the previous year. While railroad transportation is a safe travel method, accidents happen.
To help mitigate accidents and injuries, railroad lawyers exist as railroad law experts. If you’re a railroad worker, this guide will help you understand what railroad lawyers do and why they’re important.
What Does a Railroad Lawyer Do?
A railroad lawyer handles all legal matters related to railroads and federal transportation laws. These lawyers are also known as the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) lawyers, as they handle claims that originated from that act.
A FELA lawyer has experience helping railroad workers gain compensation in railroad disputes. These lawyers may represent rail workers or rail companies.
Reasons To Hire a Railroad Lawyer
From injuries to regulations, railroad lawyers have the knowledge to help defend disputes. There are several reasons why a railroad worker or company may want to hire a railroad lawyer.
Injury
A railroad worker injured on the job who wants to file a claim should hire a railroad lawyer. These cases focus on who was at fault, which impacts the claim amount. These lawyers ensure railroad workers get the compensation they deserve for injury damages.
Worker’s Compensation
Worker’s compensation issues go hand-in-hand with making injury claims. Both situations need insights from a railroad lawyer. Depending on the injury, lawyers can help ensure a fair payout for workers injured while working.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
For accidents that caused passenger or worker death, a wrongful death lawsuit gets claimed. Other issues include death from train accidents and derailments. These claims focus on who was at fault for the accident and potential passenger or worker compensation.
Federal Transportation Disputes
Railroad lawyers may represent a railroad company during a cargo dispute. These disputes usually focus on cargo crossing state lines or other federal transportation matters.
Operator Negligence
Passengers involved in a rail accident may hire a railroad lawyer to guarantee a settlement. Railroad lawyers might use camera footage or witness testimonies to prove operator negligence.
Where Railroad Lawyers Practice
Railroad lawyers operate anywhere in the United States. You’re more likely to find lawyers who specialize in railroad law in major railroad hubs. Areas with the largest rail gateways include Illinois, Texas, and Michigan.
What To Expect From a Railroad Lawyer
The railroad lawyer hiring process begins with a consultation. You and your lawyer will discuss the dispute during the consultation and compile information related to the case.
From there, your lawyer will take over. Railroad lawyers gather documents, evidence, and defense-related to the dispute. For example, an injury case may involve photos of the injury and witness accounts.
Railroad lawyers know how to represent you in the best way possible. With thorough investigation and documentation, settlement negotiation happens with ease.
Relying on Railroad Law Experts
If you’re an injured railroad worker looking for fair compensation, a railroad lawyer can help. Armed with railroad law knowledge, hiring the right attorney is simple and cost-effective.
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Rene Bennett is a graduate of New Jersey, where he played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zobuz’s Editor, he enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
