Railroad employees face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the transportation industry. Working around heavy equipment, moving trains, and uneven rail yard surfaces can lead to serious accidents. One of the most severe injuries railroad workers may suffer is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A head injury on the railroad can affect a worker’s ability to think, move, work, and live normally. When these injuries occur because of unsafe conditions or employer negligence, injured workers may have legal rights under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
This blog explains how traumatic brain injuries happen in railroad accidents, common symptoms to watch for, and what injured railroad workers should know about their legal rights under the FELA. For over 30 years, the railroad traumatic brain injury lawyers at Doran and Murphy have been protecting railroad workers and their families.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden blow or impact to the head disrupts normal brain function. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can permanently affect a person’s physical and cognitive abilities.
Railroad workers who suffer a head injury should always seek medical attention immediately. Even injuries that initially seem minor can develop into serious medical conditions if left untreated. TBI can often be overlooked and undiagnosed by busy doctors who don’t specialize in brain injuries.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Railroad Accidents
Railroad workers frequently perform physically demanding tasks in hazardous environments. As a result, several types of workplace accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries:
- Falls From Locomotives or Rail Cars – Railroad employees often climb ladders, platforms, and equipment during daily operations. A fall from a locomotive, rail car, or maintenance equipment can cause a worker to strike their head, resulting in a concussion or more severe brain injury. Coupling rail cars requires workers to be in close proximity to heavy moving equipment. Unexpected rail car movement or defective equipment can cause workers to be knocked down or thrown against hard surfaces. A hard coupling or slack action could also result in a conductor or brakeman being thrown from a rail car ladder or platform.
- Slips and Trips in Rail Yards – Rail yards often contain uneven walking surfaces, including loose ballast, oil spills, ice, and debris. Poor lighting or unsafe footing can cause a worker to slip or trip and hit their head on equipment or the ground.
- Struck-by Accidents – Railroad workers regularly work near moving rail cars, locomotives, and heavy machinery. Being struck by any of these things can cause a severe blow to the head. Switching operations, especially at night, can also lead to increased risks of being struck by moving rail cars and suffering injury,
- Train Collisions or Derailments – Derailments and train collisions can cause extremely violent impacts. These catastrophic accidents often result in severe traumatic brain injuries.
Symptoms of a Railroad-Related Brain Injury
Some traumatic brain injuries cause immediate symptoms, while others may take hours or even days to appear. Railroad workers should never ignore signs of a potential brain injury after an accident.
Common symptoms include:
- persistent headaches
- dizziness or loss of balance
- confusion or disorientation
- memory problems
- blurred vision
- nausea or vomiting
- difficulty concentrating
- mood changes or irritability
- sensitivity to light or noise
If any of these symptoms occur after a railroad accident, immediate medical evaluation is critical. As is so often the case, early treatment can improve medical outcomes and prognosis.
Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can have lifelong consequences for injured railroad workers. In serious cases, a worker may be unable to return to their previous job duties.
Long-term complications may include:
- chronic headaches
- memory loss
- impaired cognitive function
- depression or anxiety
- personality changes
- difficulty speaking or communicating
- reduced coordination or motor skills
Because railroad work is physically demanding, even mild or moderate brain injuries can significantly affect a worker’s ability to keep working for the railroad and their earning capacity.
How FELA Protects Injured Railroad Workers
Unlike standard workers’ compensation systems, the Federal Employers Liability Act allows injured railroad employees to file claims directly against their employer.
To recover compensation, the injured worker must show that the railroad’s negligence played a role, in whole or in part, causing the accident. Examples of negligence that may lead to traumatic brain injuries include:
- unsafe walking surfaces in rail yards
- inadequate lighting
- defective tools or equipment
- failure to enforce safety procedures
- insufficient training
A successful FELA claim will allow injured railroad workers to recover compensation for past and future wage loss, past and future medical expenses and past and future pain and suffering, including emotional distress.
Because FELA railroad injury lawsuits often involve complex investigations, railroad companies frequently attempt to minimize their responsibility for worker injuries. A railroad injury lawyer can successfully get an injured railroad worker the compensation they deserve.
What Railroad Workers Should Do After a Head Injury
Taking the right steps after a railroad accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Injured workers should consider:
- Seeking immediate medical attention
- Reporting the injury to the railroad
- Documenting how the accident occurred
- Avoiding recorded statements with railroad claim agents without legal advice
- Consulting an attorney experienced in railroad injury cases
These steps can help preserve evidence and strengthen a potential claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Railroad Brain Injuries
Can a railroad worker file a lawsuit for a head injury?
Yes. Under the Federal Employers Liability Act, railroad workers may file a claim against their employer if negligence contributed to the injury.
Are concussions considered serious railroad injuries?
Yes. Even mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-term symptoms that affect a worker’s ability to perform their job.
How long do railroad workers have to file a FELA claim?
In most cases, injured railroad workers have three years from the date of the injury to file a claim under FELA.
Protecting Your Rights After a Railroad Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can dramatically change a railroad worker’s life. Medical treatment, lost income, and long-term health complications can place enormous stress on injured workers and their families. Understanding your rights under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act is an important step toward protecting your financial future and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
The railroad injury lawyers at Doran and Murphy have a proven track record in handling railroad traumatic brain injury lawsuits and cases. You can contact us here at any time for a free, confidential consultation to learn more about your rights under the FELA!
