It’s no secret that being a railroad worker can take a toll on your body, as this is a physically demanding job. You’ve likely suffered minor injuries and pains that heal on their own in a few days. However, when you sustain serious joint injuries that require a considerable amount of care and time off to heal, it can have a significant impact on your life. As such, if you are a railroad employee, understanding how joint injuries occur and whether or not you are eligible to seek compensation is critical. The following blog explores what you should know about these circumstances and the importance of working with a FELA lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What Joint Injuries Are Common in Railroad Jobs?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of railroad work, which often involves performing the same physically demanding tasks on a daily basis, repetitive motion injuries are common. These tasks can take a toll on your joints, leading to a number of injuries. This is because the joints are prone to injury as they are vulnerable yet often used for a number of activities.
As such, if you are working on the railroad, you may be at risk for the following injuries:
- ACL tears
- MCL tears
- Tendonitis
- Achilles tear
- Slipped or herniated discs
- Bursitits
- Dislocations
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sprains and strains
While working on the railroad, you’ll find that your knees, wrists, shoulders, and ankles are particularly vulnerable to injury, especially if you are engaged in heavy lifting regularly. However, you can suffer these injuries if you are the victim of a slip and fall, or your job requires you to perform the same motion with little variation, as this can place a considerable amount of stress on the joint, leaving you susceptible to injury.
Am I Eligible to File a FELA Claim?
In the event you are injured as a result of the duties of your job, you may wonder if you are eligible to seek compensation. Unfortunately, the answer depends on the circumstances of your injury. Unlike workers’ compensation, in which you can recover funds for the damages you’ve endured regardless of the cause of your injury, you are only able to recover compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) if you can prove that your employer was at least partially negligent for the accident.
As such, if you slip and fall because of unsafe working conditions, you are likely eligible to pursue a claim. Additionally, if you suffer a repetitive stress injury to your joints, you’ll find that you can seek compensation if your employer failed to properly train you on how to perform the task to avoid injury or if they failed to ensure you were rotating tasks to avoid continued strain on a specific joint.
Unfortunately, navigating railroad injuries can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney at Doran & Murphy. Our team of FELA lawyers understands the impact these injuries can have, not only on your body, but on your livelihood and enjoyment of life. As such, we are committed to helping you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. Connect with us today to learn more.
