Railroad Injuries Attorney
If you're a railroad worker who has been injured at the workplace, then you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In contrast to many workers' compensation claims, you're able to sue your employer for damages under the Federal Employers' Liability Act.
FELA is a law that permits railroad workers to sue negligent employers for financial damages, is unique. It's important to work with a knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.
FELA
Federal Employers Liability Act (or FELA) is a key part the legal framework that allows railroad employees and their families to be compensated for injuries sustained during work. FELA requires that railroads compensate injured workers and that they provide safe locations for employees to work and equipment.
FELA has made railroad workers safer, but there are still incidents that railroad workers can be hurt in the course of their work. These accidents can be devastating for the victim and their families, regardless of whether it's a railroad accident or chemical exposure yard accident.
If you or a loved one who was injured in the course of work as railroad workers should be treated with respect. A FELA railroad injury lawyer can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages and suffering.
A skilled FELA railroad injury attorney on your side will provide you with peace of head and confidence to seek compensation for the damages you suffered. An experienced FELA attorney understands how to negotiate with the railroad company and its lawyers on your behalf to ensure an equitable settlement for your claim.
An FELA railroad injury lawyer will represent you in court if the railroad refuses to pay reasonable compensation. A knowledgeable FELA attorney can also make sure that evidence is kept and witnesses are reached.
Once your FELA railroad injuries lawyer has collected all the necessary information, they will begin the process of filing a lawsuit against your employer in state or federal court. This can be an intimidating procedure, but it's the only way to receive the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled to.
In many cases the railroad company will attempt to convince the injured worker that his or her accident occurred off the job, so they don't have to pay damages. They may also convince the injured worker to seek treatment from a physician who is loyal to the railroad.
Work-related Diseases
Occupational diseases are chronic health problems that develop as a result of exposure to chemicals, toxins or other substances in the workplace. They include illnesses like tuberculosis, silicosis and lead poisoning. These diseases are more common in certain jobs like those which require heavy machinery or manual work.
Although symptoms of occupational disease can be subtle or even severe, they can often be debilitating and possess the potential to have long-lasting consequences. They can also be difficult to identify. In some cases, it can be several years before the illness becomes apparent and the person stops working.
There are many occupational ailments such as hearing loss skin disorders, and lung diseases. These conditions can lead to workers to be in a position of no work and can result in them being entitled for compensation.
Railroad workers are at an increased risk of suffering from repetitive stress injuries, which causes bone and muscle pain. These injuries can occur if workers engage in the same activities over and again, such as walking on rails, or throwing switches.
Many railroad employees suffer from lateral epicondylitis, also often referred to as "tennis elbow." This condition develops when tendons on the outside of the elbow get inflamed. This condition can cause severe pain and weakness in the arm.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is another type of repetitive stress injury. This condition is caused by repetitive use of either wrist or hand. It can be difficult to identify and usually causes chronic discomfort.
Tendonitis and Fibromyalgia are two other commonly occurring types of repetitive strain injury. These injuries can cause muscle pain. These injuries can occur if workers are occupied for long periods of time with the same task every day.
Railroad workers are at high risk for developing occupational cancers since they are exposed to harmful chemicals and other substances on the job. These chemicals can cause lung cancer, sarcoma and leukemia.
While the World Health Organization has been working to improve health at work and safety, it has not yet reached its goal of eliminating these kinds of illnesses. They are difficult to prevent and hard to manage once they have become prevalent.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) or musculoskeletal injuries are the ones that result from repeated exposure to a risk factor or other. CTDs can be very debilitating and may cause long-term injury to muscles, tendons, and nerves of the body.
Repetitive movements and repetitive stress injuries are a common cause of CTDs which affect different body parts and can cause issues in strength, movement, or flexibility. Signs of these conditions include the feeling of numbness, pain or weakness in the affected part and can also cause inflammation.
The repeated vibrations and stresses that occur in the railroad industry can cause serious injuries to employees. Trains transport millions of tonnes of steel and cargo and those who power these trains are susceptible to entire-body vibration injuries when their bodies are exposed to the forces of the engine.
For railroad conductors and engineers the use of their hands is a key element of their job. They have to lift, grip and manipulate heavy objects at high speeds. The constant movement of their wrists can cause significant damage to their joints.
These repetitive movements can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar canal syndrome, and various other forms of hand or arm pain. Depending on the location and the severity of the symptoms, physical therapy may be necessary.
If you or a loved one has suffered an occupational injury, contact an experienced lawyer for railroad injuries immediately to discuss your legal options. A knowledgeable lawyer will be able to comprehend the legal and medical aspects of your claim and will have the experience needed to win your case.
Railroaders are also susceptible to lung-related illnesses due to years of exposure to chemicals and toxins. These chemicals include asbestos, PCBs and diesel fumes.
While these conditions can be extremely destructive, there are ways to minimize the effects of these diseases and avoid them from developing. By implementing proper body mechanics changing the design of workstations and using ergonomic equipment can all aid in reducing the risk of developing a CTD.
Retaliation
Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in a legal activity such as reporting discriminatory acts or participating in an investigation into a work-related issue. It can also be regarded as wrongful termination.
Retaliatory actions can include reduced wages and hours, exclusion from staff meetings, learning opportunities, or other opportunities that would normally be open to all employees. If you believe that you've suffered retaliation, it's important to seek the advice of an experienced railroad injury lawyer immediately.
You can also identify the retaliation process by keeping a record of all communications related to your protected activities. Keep an exact copy of all documents that include the date and time when you reported the first instance of discrimination or harassment to management. Also keep a running list of the ways in which your protected activities resulted in the retaliatory actions.
It is also a good idea to keep a record of your job responsibilities and performance evaluations. This is especially useful in situations where your boss would like to degrade or transfer you.
Other signs of retaliation may include a sudden performance review or an unfairly negative appraisal or a micro-managing of your daily tasks by your supervisor. It could also be an act of retaliation when you've been denied an opportunity to advance after you lodged an issue with someone who you believe is not eligible for promotion.
If you're suffering from an injury at work speak to your railroad injuries attorney about the possibility of filing a lawsuit for Retaliation. There is a federal law protecting employees who have complained about or filed a lawsuit against their employers.
In addition, it's important to establish a process for getting and responding to reports of retaliation. This system should comprise a variety of ways for employees to voice safety and compliance issues, as well as an avenue for raising the issue in the event of need.
Retaliation prevention measures is a must in every company's policy. Putting in place a retaliation-resistant culture can reduce premature turnover, reduce the likelihood of workplace incidents, and prevent costly infractions.