In the railroad industry, injuries are often judged by how they look on paper rather than how they affect real-world work. A knee injury might be labeled “minor” in a medical chart, but for a railroad worker, even a non-catastrophic knee injury can be life-altering. Climbing on equipment, walking on ballast, carrying tools, and maintaining balance on uneven surfaces all depend heavily on healthy knees. When that joint is compromised—even slightly—returning to work may be unsafe or impossible.
The Physical Demands of Railroad Work
Railroad jobs are not sedentary. Conductors, engineers, brakemen, track workers, signal maintainers, and carmen routinely:
- Walk long distances on uneven ballast
- Climb ladders, railcars, and locomotives
- Step up and down from varying heights
- Get on and off moving equipment
- Carry heavy tools and equipment
- Work in all weather conditions
These tasks place constant stress on the knees. Unlike many other jobs, there is rarely “light-duty” work available on the railroad.
What Some May Consider “Minor” Isn’t Minor on the Railroad
Many knee injuries are initially described as minor because they do not require surgery or immediate hospitalization. These can include:
- Meniscus tears
- Ligament sprains
- Cartilage damage
- Tendon inflammation
- Patellofemoral pain
- Mild instability or locking
While these injuries may allow someone to walk short distances or sit comfortably, they often cause pain, weakness, swelling, or instability during repetitive movement. For a railroad worker, those symptoms can make routine tasks unbearable over time, and in some cases, dangerous.
Even if symptoms are tolerable, a compromised knee increases the risk of further injury. Unfortunately, “working through the pain” can turn a minor injury into a permanent one.
Safety Rules and Fitness-for-Duty Standards
Railroads enforce strict fitness-for-duty requirements. If a worker cannot safely climb, kneel, balance, or respond quickly in an emergency, they may be removed from service. Even if a worker feels capable, medical restrictions or company medical requirements may prevent a return to work. This can lead to a medical disqualification from duty and can leave workers unexpectedly sidelined without income.
Long-Term Consequences
Even relatively small knee injuries can have lasting effects, including:
- Chronic pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Early arthritis
- Ongoing instability
- Increased likelihood of future injury
For a railroad worker who depends on physical ability to earn a living, these long-term issues can be devastating.
Why These “Minor” Knee Injuries Should Be Taken Seriously
Labeling a knee injury as “minor” minimizes the reality of railroad work. The job requires full physical capability, not partial function. When a knee injury interferes with basic job duties, it is not minor—it is disabling.
Railroad workers deserve to have their injuries evaluated in the context of what their jobs actually require, not in comparison to desk work or light-duty occupations.
FELA Recognizes the Reality of Railroad Work
FELA was enacted to protect railroad workers because of the dangerous and physically demanding nature of the job. Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA allows injured railroad employees to recover full damages when the railroad’s negligence—even in part—caused the injury.
When unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, poor footing, or inadequate training lead to a knee injury, the railroad may be legally responsible for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Don’t Let the Railroad Minimize Your Injury
Railroads often minimize knee injuries to reduce claim value. But the law recognizes that an injury preventing safe performance of railroad duties can be devastating for railroad workers and their families.
If you suffered a knee injury while working for the railroad, it is important to understand your rights under FELA and to have your injury evaluated in the context of what your job actually requires.
Speak With a FELA Attorney
An experienced FELA attorney understands how railroads operate, how they minimize injuries, and how knee injuries truly affect railroad workers’ ability to earn a living. If your knee injury has kept you from returning to work, contact us today for a free consultation.
