Suffering a brain injury while working in the railroad industry can be life-changing — especially when the cause is preventable. If you’re a railroad worker, you deserve FELA railroad brain injury lawyers in Lafayette who understand the high-risk environment you work in and the federal protections that apply.
Railroad companies are required to provide reasonably safe working conditions. But when they don’t, and you get hurt, you have the right to pursue justice with the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
Whether your injury was caused by unsafe equipment, poor supervision, or unsafe practices, our FELA railroad accident lawyers in Lafayette at Poolson | Oden are prepared to hold the railroad accountable and help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to. Let us help you protect your future and get your life back on track. Call now.
Common Forms of Railroad Negligence in Lafayette
Working on the railroad is inherently dangerous, but many injuries occur not because of the job itself, but because railroad companies cut corners or ignore safety rules. When they fail to meet their legal duty to provide a reasonably safe workplace, they can be held liable under the FELA.
In Lafayette rail yards and along regional lines, our attorneys frequently see preventable safety failures like:
- Poorly maintained or defective locomotives, cars, or tools
- Failure to provide adequate fall protection or personal safety gear
- Inadequate staffing, supervision, or training
- Unsafe switching procedures and rushed operations
- Slippery walkways, uneven ballast, or unsecured equipment
- Pressuring employees to work long shifts without rest
Even one of these oversights can set the stage for a serious accident. When that accident results in a head or brain injury, the consequences can be life-altering.
Brain Injuries Railroad Workers Can Suffer
A blow to the head, even one that seems minor, can lead to serious neurological damage, especially in the high-impact, high-motion environment of railroad work.
Whether it’s a fall, a collision, or being struck by moving equipment, railroad workers are uniquely vulnerable to a range of head injuries when safety breaks down. Some of the most common injuries our Lafayette railroad injury lawyers help with include:
- Concussions resulting from falls or sudden jolts
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by impacts from tools, couplers, or rolling stock
- Closed–head injuries where swelling or bleeding occurs inside the skull
- Cerebral contusions from violent contact with hard surfaces in locomotives or yard vehicles
- Post–concussive syndrome, where symptoms like headaches, confusion, and memory issues persist for months or longer
These injuries can affect everything from your ability to work to your emotional health, relationships, and future medical needs. And because many symptoms are delayed or invisible, they’re often dismissed, both by the railroad and by the worker themselves.
At Poolson | Oden, we help clients document these injuries early, connect with qualified neurologists, and build the medical record needed to support a strong FELA claim.
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Legal Advocacy Lafayette Railroaders Can Count On
When you’ve suffered a serious brain injury on the job, choosing the right legal team can make all the difference, especially when you’re up against a railroad company with deep resources and aggressive defense strategies.
Poolson | Oden brings more than 80 years of combined experience fighting for railroaders throughout Louisiana, including those working in and around Lafayette Parish.
Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers understand the pace, risks, and pressure of freight operations along the Gulf Coast and throughout South Louisiana.
We’ve seen firsthand how rail employers can fail to prioritize worker safety, and we know how to hold them accountable under the law. But what sets us apart isn’t just what we know, it’s how we work:
- We assign a full legal team to every client, giving our clients access to an entire system of support.
- We integrate medical strategy into every case with the help of our in-house medical records coordinator, ensuring your care comes first and your medical story is fully documented.
- We use visuals, expert analysis, and trial preparation tactics that force railroads to confront the reality of what their negligence has cost you.
- We’ll travel to meet with you in Lafayette or the surrounding communities, so you never feel out of reach.
- And we’re prepared to take your case all the way to trial if the railroad won’t offer the compensation you truly deserve.
FELA cases aren’t for general personal injury lawyers. They require deep familiarity with railroad operations, federal law, and injury dynamics unique to this kind of work.
That’s what we do. That’s who we serve. t Poolson | Oden, our FELA railroad brain injury lawyers in Lafayette have been selected as Designated Legal Counsel for SMART TD and Transportation Communications Union/IAM (“TCU”), and represent railroaders facing the long-term consequences of serious head injuries.
Whether you were injured at a local yard, in transit, or anywhere along the line, we’re ready to stand up for you. Lafayette workers keep the rail industry moving, and we’re here to protect them when things go wrong.
What Compensation Can Cover After a Railroad Brain Injury
Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, injured railroad workers are entitled to pursue a broad range of damages when employer negligence contributes to their injury.
Unlike workers’ compensation, which typically offers limited and pre-set benefits, FELA allows for full recovery of all damages tied to your injury. Depending on the circumstances of your case, your compensation may include:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, neurological evaluations, medications, and follow-up care
- Future treatment and rehabilitation, such as cognitive therapy, occupational therapy, and life care planning
- Lost wages, including both missed time from work and future loss of earning capacity if you can’t return to your prior duties
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, migraines, balance issues, and fatigue
- Mental and emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or behavioral changes related to brain trauma
- Permanent disability or loss of quality of life, especially for workers with severe or long-term cognitive impairment
At Poolson | Oden, we take the time to fully understand your diagnosis and how your injury has affected your life, not just in the short term, but in the years to come.
Your recovery isn’t just about getting better; it’s about securing the resources you need to protect your future. Let us help you get there.
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Don’t Wait to Call Us as FELA Claims Have Strict Time Limits
If you’ve suffered a brain injury while working on the railroad, it’s critical to understand the statute of limitations. Under 45 U.S.C. § 56, injured railroad workers have just three years from the date of the injury to file a claim. Waiting too long means that evidence can disappear.
Witnesses may move on. Medical documentation may become harder to obtain. And if you miss the filing deadline, you could lose your right to recover compensation altogether.
At Poolson | Oden, we move fast to protect your rights, preserve key evidence, and begin building your case from day one. Don’t let the railroad run out the clock — reach out today for a free consultation and get the legal support you need to stay on track.