The major commuter railroads operating in New York City move over one million passengers daily. NYC’s Penn Station alone handles roughly 600,000 passengers in a single day. This high volume can lead commuter railroads to cut corners when it comes to safety. The results can be catastrophic for railroad workers. Fortunately, New York City commuter railroad workers are covered under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). This includes commuter railroad workers employed by Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North Railroad (MN), New Jersey Transit (NJT), and the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) railroad systems. When these railroads fail to provide a reasonably safe place to work, and that failure contributes to an injury, in whole or in part, then the railroad is liable for all damages caused by its negligence.
Railroad Worker Injuries on NYC Commuter Rail Systems
NYC is home to the largest network of commuter railroads in the United States. Amtrak, LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit, and PATH all rely on the dedication of hardworking New Yorkers. Our experienced railroad injury attorneys at Doran & Murphy understand that commuter railways can present a hazardous work environment. Negligent maintenance and inspection practices, lack of training, and simple recklessness or carelessness can lead to trains colliding or derailing, injuring passengers and workers on board. As recently as December of 2025, two NJ Transit trains collided, severely injuring 17 people, including six NJ Transit workers.
Common Causes of Commuter Railroad Worker Injuries
In addition to high-profile incidents such as collisions, FELA covers damages to New York City commuter railroad workers injured from:
- Slip, trips and falls
- Impacts from falling objects
- Electrocution
- Machinery malfunctions
- Negligent operation of industrial equipment
- Crushing injuries
- Defective railroad equipment, such as car doors, handbrakes, cut levers, etc.
Additionally, years of daily exposure to diesel exhaust on commuter trains and exposure to asbestos in Grand Central Station and Penn Station have led to long-term health issues such as lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis for some New York City commuter railroad employees.
Why FELA Claims Are Different From Workers’ Compensation
Because commuter railroad employees are not covered under standard Workers’ Compensation claims, fighting for the compensation you deserve can be difficult due to the complexities of the FELA claims process. An attorney who knows the distinct challenges of pursuing a FELA claim can help you navigate the process successfully and get you the compensation you deserve.
Experienced NYC Commuter Railroad Injury Attorneys
Our attorneys at Doran & Murphy have years of experience working with New York City commuter railway workers. We understand the unique hazards faced by workers at Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, New Jersey Transit, and PATH, and our team is committed to helping you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Our team of FELA attorneys work around the clock to help you stand up to railroads when workplace accidents occur. Contact us today to confidentially discuss your claim with a member of our firm.
