Between heavy machinery, high-speed trains, and hazardous materials, railroad workers face serious risks every day. If you were injured while working on a railroad, an Alabama railroad injury lawyer can help you recover damages.
Don’t Get Railroaded®. The team at Poolson | Oden has over 80 years of combined legal experience. If you were injured due to your employer’s negligence, a railroad injury lawyer in Alabama can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
How an Alabama Railroad Injury Lawyer Can Help
Railroad injury claims involve complex federal regulations and aggressive corporate defense teams. If you need to file a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), our lawyers can help by:
- Investigating the incident: We can gather records, interview witnesses, and preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
- Calculating your damages: Many injured workers underestimate their claims’ worth. We can tally all of your losses and help determine your claim’s true value.
- Negotiating a settlement: Your employer or their insurer may try to pressure you into a quick settlement. We can handle communications with them and fight for a fair payout on your behalf.
- Representing you in court: If settlement negotiations fail, we can take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge or jury.
Don’t Get Railroaded ®
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today to Get Back On The Right Track.
Types of Railroad Injury Cases We Handle
Railroad work exposes employees to a wide range of hazards. We can help if you need a:
- Alabama Railroad Body and Extremities Injury Lawyer: We can help you pursue compensation for surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term impairment.
- Alabama Railroad Occupational Exposure and Cancer Lawyer: Prolonged exposure to toxic substances like diesel exhaust, asbestos, or chemical solvents can lead to serious illnesses, including cancer. We can help you build a case linking your illness to unsafe workplace conditions.
- Alabama Railroad Burn and Explosion Injury Lawyer: Fires and explosions can occur when hazardous materials are involved. We can help you file a claim and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Alabama Railroad Spine Injury Lawyer: Back and spinal cord injuries can lead to chronic pain and other long-term health issues. We can seek compensation for both your immediate and long-term medical needs.
- Alabama Railroad Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer: Head injuries can have lasting effects on memory, cognition, and overall quality of life. We can pursue a settlement that reflects the true impact of your injury.
- Alabama Railroad Wrongful Death Lawyer: If you lost a loved one in a railroad accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. We can help your family seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of your loss.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover for a Railroad Injury?
A successful claim can help you recover compensation for a variety of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future): You can recover compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing care you may need.
- Lost income: You can seek compensation for wages you lost while recovering from the accident.
- Loss of future earning capacity: You can recover damages if your injury affects your ability to earn income in the future.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injury.
- Emotional distress: You can recover damages for anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects related to the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can seek compensation for the impact your injury has on your ability to enjoy daily activities and hobbies.
The specific value of your claim will depend on factors like the severity of your injury, the extent of your employer’s negligence, and the long-term impact of the accident on your life.
Listen To The Stay On Track Podcast
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
FELA railroad injury claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If your injury developed over time (such as with occupational exposure), the clock may start when you first became aware of the condition and its connection to your work.
Waiting too long to claim a railroad injury can cost you your right to recover compensation, which is why it’s important to contact a railroad injury attorney in Alabama as soon as you can.
Let’s Get You back On Track.
SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY TODAY
What is The Federal Employers’ Liability Act?
Unlike most workplace injury claims, railroad workers are not covered by traditional workers’ compensation systems. Instead, they are protected under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which is codified in 45 U.S.C. § 51–60.
FELA allows injured railroad employees to file claims directly against their employer when negligence contributes to an accident. Even a small degree of negligence can be enough to support a claim. However, the burden of proof still rests on the injured worker, which is why thorough documentation and legal guidance are so important.
Common Causes of Railroad Injuries
In many cases, railroad accidents are the result of preventable safety failures or poor decision-making. Some of the most common causes include:
- Unsafe working conditions
- Defective tools or equipment
- Inadequate training or supervision
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals
- Fatigue from long shifts
- Poor track maintenance
What to Do After a Railroad Injury in Alabama
The steps you take after an accident can directly impact your ability to recover compensation. Be sure to:
- Report the injury to your employer.
- Document the accident scene (if possible).
- Get contact information from witnesses.
- Seek medical attention right away.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to your employer or insurers.
- Keep records of all medical treatment and expenses related to the accident.
- Contact a railroad attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Railroad Injury Attorney in Alabama
A railroad injury can derail your life. If you suffered one that wasn’t your fault, an Alabama railroad injury attorney from Poolson | Oden can help you put together a strong claim and secure a fair settlement.
Book a free case review to discuss next steps.