Too often, the negligence of railroad causes trains to strike pedestrians, bicyclists, and passengers in motor vehicles at railroad crossings. When this happens, the results are catastrophic:
- Trains derail or strike and kill people every two hours in this country (Federal Railroad Administration).
- Railroads cause crossing accidents by failing to maintain right of ways.
- Most rail grade crossings in the U.S. are unprotected by warning signals and gates (National Transportation Safety Board). Railroads cause crossing accidents by failing to maintain right of ways.
- Train engineers make fatal mistakes.
- Poor visibility, bad stop signs. Untrimmed vegetation blocks the view of the railroad tracks and oncoming trains.
Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)
In 1908, the federal government recognized the risks of railroad jobs, where railroad workers frequently hurt themselves or suffered other disabling injuries.
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act was designed to put on the railroad industry some of the costs of the legs, arms, eyes, and lives which it consumed in its operation. (U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, Wilkerson v. McCarthy , 336 U.S. 53, 1949).
Through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), the Locomotive Inspection Act, the Safety Compliance Act, and other laws railroad employees and their families can pursue claims related to railroad injury and wrongful death.
At The Johnson Law Firm, our lawyers aggressively pursue claims against train operators, local railroads and other common carriers in the aftermath of railroad crossing accidents. Our lawyers will aggressively push the Railroads to ensure that our clients recover the most money for their injuries. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys about a FELA claim, please contact our office for a free consultation at 713-751-0070, or contact us online.