Train Accidents / FELA Claims

Train Accidents / FELA ClaimsThe Law Office of Paul Snow helps people injured as the result of train derailments or related accidents. Train accidents and derailments can drastically affect individual's lives. Derailments involving toxic substances can cause disruption to the local community and severely impact more vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens, children, and the sick. A train derailment, combined with a chemical or other hazardous material explosion or leak, can cause an area to be evacuated for an extended period of time. In some cases, people in close proximity to the accident site are instructed to stay indoors with the windows shut. In more severe situations, residents, homeowners, businesses, truck drivers, and people in passenger cars and other vehicles in the immediate area face evacuation.

Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA)

FELA allows provision of benefits to railroad workers injured on the job. To submit a FELA claim for compensation related to a railroad accident or derailment, the injured worker needs to prove that the railroad contributed to or caused his/her accident. The injuries that are governed by FELA include:

  • Serious injuries including back injury and fractured bones
  • Repetitive stress injuries including carpel tunnel syndrome and hearing loss
  • Aggravation of pre-existing injuries
  • Occupational diseases including lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and skin diseases

In order to qualify for recovery of damages under a FELA claim, the injured party must file a claim no later than 3 years after the accident. Repetitive stress or occupational disease claims need to be filed within 3 years of the point at which the injured person knew or should have known that their condition could be work related.

If you know of anybody that has been affected or injured by a train accident or derailment, please call Paul Snow at 601-969-1977 or contact us online to discuss your legal rights FREE of charge.

Click here to read about 8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting An Accident Lawyer.

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