Railroad workers face unique risks every day on the job. That’s why federal law gives them the right to report injuries without fear of punishment. A recent case involving Union Pacific Railroad shows just how important these protections are—and how costly it can be for employers who ignore them.
OSHA Orders Union Pacific to Pay Damages
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently ordered Union Pacific to pay nearly $355,000 in damages after finding that the company unlawfully fired a locomotive engineer who reported a workplace injury.
The damages include:
- $150,000 in punitive damages
- $195,300 in back pay and interest
- $10,000 in compensatory damages
Regulators also described Union Pacific as a “serial violator” of worker protection laws, pointing to more than a dozen similar retaliation cases.
The Case: Retaliation Against a Railroad Worker
The case involved Juan Garza, a locomotive engineer in Texas. While traveling between rail yards in a rideshare vehicle, Garza was involved in a minor accident. Although the crash initially seemed minor, he later developed back pain, sought medical treatment, and—per company policy—filed a workplace injury report.
Union Pacific accused him of making a false claim, suspended him, and later terminated his employment in March 2024. His coworker, who was in the same vehicle but did not seek medical care, was not disciplined.
An arbitration panel later reinstated Garza, ruling that the company had no justification for his firing. OSHA’s ruling further confirmed that the railroad’s actions violated federal whistleblower protections.
Railroad Injury Claims and Worker Rights
Railroad employees are protected under the Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA), which makes it illegal for railroads to retaliate against workers who:
- Report a work-related injury
- Report unsafe conditions or practices
- Seek medical treatment for an on-the-job injury
This case underscores the importance of knowing your rights. Even a minor injury, if reported, is protected under the law. Employers cannot punish workers for following safety rules or seeking medical care.
Why Railroad Retaliation Cases Matter
Railroad workers already face dangerous working conditions. Fear of retaliation should never prevent them from reporting injuries. When companies retaliate, it not only harms employees, it discourages others from coming forward, creating even greater safety risks.
For workers, understanding the law can mean the difference between losing a career and securing the compensation and protection they deserve.
Talk to a Railroad Injury Lawyer
If you’re a railroad worker who has faced retaliation after reporting an injury, you may have a valid railroad injury claim under FELA and FRSA. At Doran & Murphy, we fight for the rights of railroad employees who have been targeted after a workplace injury. Contact us today.
