It’s no secret that railroads often prioritize profit over people under the guise of improving operations. In reality, they are improving their profitability while placing lives at risk. One such “improvement” is the implementation of remote control train operations over the past few decades. Though, in theory, this is used to help increase safety, it seemingly has done the opposite, proving fatal in many instances. As such, if you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in an accident involving this technology, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced FELA lawyer to explore the legal actions you can take to recover compensation and hold the railroads accountable.
What Are Remote Control Operations?
Remote control operations (RCO) are a form of technology used to help move trains and locomotives around railyards and terminals. These allow the switchman to operate and move the vehicle from one location to another or one track to another so it can be broken down.
The technology is similar to operating a remote-controlled toy vehicle. The controller transmits signals to the train, allowing the remote control operator to maneuver the train around the railyard.
What Are the Risks Associated With This Technology?
Though many railroad companies have implemented this technology under the guise of more controlled movements and less risk to workers, as they can keep a safe distance and have increased control over the train’s speed, this is far from the truth.
In traditional switch operations, many people are involved in ensuring the process goes as smoothly as possible. Instead, you’ll find that this allows companies to cut costs instead of only relying on one or two employees to get this job done. Unfortunately, there are many risks associated with this technology, as there have been a concerning number of fatal accidents involving RCO crashes and collisions in the past few years, let alone looking back over two decades.
It’s also important to understand that, unlike engineers who undergo years of training, remote control train operators may only receive a month or two of training before taking controls. As such, their inexperience and lack of training provided by the railroad can also increase the risk of accidents.
If I’m Hurt in an Accident Involving RCO, Can I File a FELA Claim?
If you or a loved one have been hurt in an accident involving remote control train operations, understanding your legal rights during these times is critical. It is in your best interest to obtain legal representation as soon as possible. In fact, immediately after you receive the necessary medical care, the first thing you should do is connect with an attorney.
It’s important to understand that under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), you must be able to prove that the railroads were at least partially responsible for the accident. This can include continuing operations with malfunctioning or broken technology, knowingly using broken equipment, failing to enforce safety standards, or failing to provide proper training to employees.
At Doran & Murphy, our dedicated team of FELA lawyers understands how complex these matters can be, which is why we are committed to fighting for your best interest. Reach out to our team today if you or a loved one has suffered because of RCO.
