There is nothing more frustrating than having to choose between your living and your health. Though railroad companies have made significant advancements in ensuring the safety of their workers, many employees notice safety hazards on job sites, and when brought to the attention of management, are ignored. If you are injured because of workplace hazards that should have been taken care of, a FELA lawyer can help you. Continue reading to learn the most common safety issues at railroad job sites and what you must do to fight for compensation for the injuries you’ve suffered at the hands of a negligent employer.
What Are Common Workplace Hazards Railroad Workers Endure?
While railroad work can cause a number of injuries due to the inherent nature of the job duties, such as hearing loss or repetitive motion injuries, minimizing the risk of damage by ensuring the worksite is safe is critical. As such, the following are common workplace hazards that can lead to injuries for railroad employees:
- Missing or uneven ballast
- Improper lighting
- Worn or broken walkways
- Cable troughs left uncovered
- Failing to address drainage issues on the job site
- Debris, materials, and tools left strewn about walkways
- Unsecured grab irons
When you notice these issues, it’s important to report the hazard to your supervisor. However, if they fail to remedy the risk, you or a coworker can become injured as a result.
How Can an Injured Employee Recover Compensation?
If you are a railroad worker who sustained an injury due to safety hazards in the workplace and your concerns were ignored, it’s imperative to understand your rights. You are eligible to file a claim to recover compensation for the injuries you’ve sustained.
It’s critical to note, however, that, unlike other industries, you are not eligible to submit a workers’ compensation claim. This is because the railroad industry is governed by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Therefore, you must file a FELA claim if you sustained injuries.
In addition to being governed by a different law, FELA claims and workers’ compensation are drastically different. Though both can help injured employees recover compensation, workers’ comp covers almost all work-related injuries. However, FELA is only applicable to employees whose injuries were caused in part by the negligence of their employer. A claim under the FELA is a claim directly against the responsible employer.
When you are hurt because of unsafe worksite conditions, ensuring you take the correct steps to protect yourself and recover the compensation you deserve is critical. The first step you must take during this process is to connect with an experienced FELA attorney from Doran & Murphy. Our firm understands how important railroad workers are to the nation, which is why we are dedicated to fighting against negligent railway companies. Contact us today to discuss your unique circumstances.
