railroad tracks

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recently released several new rail accident reports and opened public dockets for ongoing investigations involving railroad workers and operations. These developments have real implications for injured employees and their families. 

Railroad workers are put in harm’s way every day, and when accidents happen, understanding the cause, contributing factors, and the investigative findings is a crucial step towards preventing these unfortunate events in the future.  

Why NTSB Reports Matter in FELA Cases

The NTSB investigates major rail accidents and near-miss incidents with a focus on identifying systemic safety issues and making recommendations to prevent future tragedies. Their findings often highlight negligent practices, inadequate procedures, or failures in safety protocols — all of which can be significant in FELA claims.

Key Recent NTSB Rail Accident Findings You Should Know

Here’s a summary of the recent NTSB releases that directly involve railroad workers, operational practices, or serious accidents:

  • Insufficient Track Protection Procedures Contributed to a Maintenance Worker Injury

The NTSB concluded that inadequate procedures for providing track protection were a probable cause in an incident where a maintenance technician was struck during work on wayside signals. Their review highlighted that the designated lookout failed to detect train movement due to task assignment issues — a finding that raises concerns around company safety practices and training. 

Why it matters: If inadequate safety procedures led to your injury, NTSB findings may support claims that your employer failed to provide a safe workplace — a central element in any FELA case.

  • Standardized Hand-Brake Procedures Could Have Prevented a Serious Injury

An injury sustained by an assistant division manager trainee at the Port of Stockton during a rerailing operation was attributed to the lack of standardized hand-brake operating procedures. The NTSB’s report underscored the need for clear, enforced hand-brake protocols. 

Why it matters: When employers lack clear safety standards, employees are put at risk. These lapses can be critical evidence of negligence in a FELA case.

  • Ongoing Public Docket: Lead Tank Car Conductor Injury

The NTSB has opened the public docket for an ongoing investigation into an accident where a Union Pacific conductor was seriously injured while riding on the lead tank car during a shoving movement. 

This docket, which is publicly accessible, includes investigative materials, interviews, and early findings. Lawyers and claimants can review it for insights into how and why the accident occurred.

Why it matters: Public dockets often contain raw investigative data that can be powerful when building liability cases, especially where procedural failures or unsafe work assignments are involved.

  • Fatal Grade Crossing Train Collision Report (Nov. 2024)

The NTSB completed a report on a fatal accident where a BNSF maintenance-of-way employee was struck and killed by a freight train while driving a welding truck across a grade crossing. Another employee in the truck survived with injuries. 

Why it matters: Fatal accidents highlight extreme safety breakdowns. When a railroad fails to protect its workers at established crossings, those negligence issues can form the backbone of wrongful death and FELA claims.

How a FELA Attorney Can Help

If you were injured on the job, the NTSB’s findings may serve as powerful evidence demonstrating employer negligence. They provide detailed analyses of accident causes, which can bolster your attorney’s ability to show that your injury was not just an unfortunate accident, but the result of preventable safety failures.

A qualified FELA attorney will:

  • review relevant NTSB reports and dockets
  • leverage official findings to support claims of employer negligence
  • identify how safety lapses contributed to your injuries
  • advocate for the full compensation you deserve

FELA claims hinge on proving that your employer’s negligence contributed to your injury — and the NTSB’s independent investigative work can be essential in doing just that.

If you or a loved one were injured while working for the railroad, reach out to a FELA attorney experienced in handling complex railroad injury cases for a free consultation today.