Railroad workers face intense physical demands every day, but some of the most damaging injuries happen gradually through years of vibration exposure. From locomotive operators to track crew members, prolonged exposure to body vibration can lead to lasting damage to the spine, nerves, and joints.
A FELA railroad body vibration lawyer in Lafayette can help you hold your employer accountable when those injuries are the result of unsafe working conditions.
Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) allows railroaders to pursue compensation when negligence plays a role in their injury.
Our FELA railroad accident lawyers in Lafayette understand how to build these cases with the right combination of medical insight and legal precision. At Poolson | Oden, we’ve stood with railroaders across Louisiana, combining deep legal experience with a team built to fight back against powerful rail companies.
Call now to get started with a free consultation.
How Railroad Workers are Exposed to Dangerous Vibration
Railroad work often involves long hours operating heavy equipment, sitting in vibrating locomotives, or using power tools on steel and concrete, all of which expose the body to intense, repeated vibration. Over time, this exposure can cause damage to muscles, joints, nerves, and the spine.
Common sources of dangerous vibration in the railroad industry include:
- Operating locomotives on uneven or poorly maintained tracks
- Using handheld tools such as grinders, tampers, and impact wrenches
- Riding maintenance vehicles with minimal suspension over long shifts
- Standing or sitting on vibrating platforms for extended periods
These conditions may seem routine, but that’s exactly what makes them so dangerous. Many workers don’t realize the impact until pain, numbness, or mobility problems begin to interfere with daily life. And by then, the damage is often permanent.
The Lafayette railroad injury lawyers at Poolson | Oden understand how employers cut corners that lead to this kind of long-term harm—and how to hold them accountable.
Don’t Get Railroaded ®
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today to Get Back On The Right Track.
Why Should I Hire a Lafayette FELA Railroad Body Vibration Lawyer?
Vibration-related injuries aren’t easy cases. They don’t come from a single accident, and they often develop slowly, making them harder to prove and easier for railroad companies to dismiss. That’s why you need more than a general Lafayette personal injury lawyer. You need a Lafayette FELA railroad body vibration lawyer who understands the law, the industry, and the medicine behind these claims.
At Poolson | Oden, we bring more than 80 years of combined experience to the table, along with a full legal team built to support every client. Our lawyers have handled cases involving the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, vibration injuries, and other railroad-related harms with the attention and preparation they deserve.
We don’t work from templates. We build each case around the facts, medical realities, and employer responsibilities—using trusted doctors, field investigators, and trial-ready strategies to give our clients every possible advantage. And if you need us in person, we come to you. That’s how we do it.
FELA Protection for Railroad Vibration-Related Injuries
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act was passed to protect railroad workers injured due to their employer’s negligence. Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA requires you to prove that unsafe working conditions, such as long-term exposure to excessive vibration, contributed to your injury.
In return, it offers the opportunity for more substantial compensation, including damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical care.
Body vibration injuries often develop over time, making them harder to diagnose and even harder to prove. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less the responsibility of the railroad. Whether the result of poorly maintained locomotives, defective equipment, or unsafe scheduling practices, these injuries are often rooted in preventable hazards.
An experienced union designated attorney knows how to build a strong FELA case around these subtle, long-developing injuries. At Poolson | Oden, our attorneys have been selected as as Designated Legal Counsel for SMART TD and Transportation Communications Union/IAM (“TCU”).
We have the experience and tools to connect the dots between years of vibration exposure and your long-term health problems.
Common Injuries Caused by Long-Term Vibration Exposure
Vibration-related injuries can be just as debilitating as acute trauma—but because they develop over time, they’re often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Some of the most common vibration-induced injuries include:
- Nerve disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, or chronic numbness and tingling
- Spinal injuries, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and lumbar spine degeneration
- Musculoskeletal injuries, like chronic joint pain, muscle fatigue, or reduced range of motion
- Vascular conditions, such as vibration white finger or restricted blood flow in the limbs
If left untreated, these injuries can limit your ability to work, perform daily tasks, or live pain-free. Our Lafayette FELA body vibration injury attorneys work with trusted medical professionals to help identify and document these conditions—and to pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
What is My Railroad Vibration Injury Case Worth?
Vibration-related injuries often creep in slowly. What starts as mild stiffness or tingling can evolve into chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even permanent nerve damage.
If you’re noticing symptoms that weren’t there previously, don’t ignore them. Common warning signs include:
- Persistent back, neck, or joint pain
- Numbness or tingling in the hands, arms, or legs
- Muscle weakness or reduced grip strength
- Difficulty walking, bending, or lifting
- Discomfort that worsens after long shifts or equipment use
If these issues are affecting your work or quality of life, it’s time to ask whether your employer may have allowed unsafe conditions to continue for too long. Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, you may be eligible to seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or reduced function
- Loss of enjoyment of life
At Poolson | Oden, we help injured railroad workers in Lafayette calculate the full impact of long-term vibration injuries—not just what’s on paper, but what’s been taken from your daily life and your future.
Let’s Get You back On Track.
SPEAK WITH AN ATTORNEY TODAYDon’t Get Railroaded® – Get Help for a Vibration-Related Injury
If you’re dealing with chronic pain, numbness, or physical limitations from years on the railroad, now is the time to speak with someone who understands what you’re up against. Under 45 U.S.C. § 56, your right to compensation isn’t open-ended—there are strict deadlines for filing, and waiting too long could cost you the chance to recover what you’re owed.
At Poolson | Oden, we’re ready to help you take the next step. A knowledgeable Lafayette FELA railroad body vibration lawyer can evaluate your situation, connect the dots between your working conditions and your symptoms, and start building a case that demands answers and accountability.
Reach out today for a free consultation. Whether you’ve just noticed symptoms or have been living with pain for years, we’re here to help you Stay on Track™.