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Railroad Signal Maintainer & Signalman Injuries in NY

Signalmen are a vital part of the American rail system. Although these workers help keep the trains running, the job comes with some significant challenges. Chief among those challenges is the risk of severe injury. In many cases, these injuries are potentially life-threatening. Those who survive their injuries could face serious physical limitations for the rest of their life. If you have sustained significant injuries while working as a railroad signal maintainer, a railroad injuries lawyer might be able to help. Your attorney could provide guidance regarding railroad signal maintainer and signalman injuries in New York.

Common Railroad Injuries for Signal Maintainers and Signalmen in New York

The work of railroad signal maintainers centers on constructing, installing, and maintaining railway signal devices. These signals exist to facilitate communication between train dispatchers and the crews about trains.

The types of injuries common among signalmen vary depending on the specific type of work they are doing. As with many occupations at the railroad, signalmen and signal maintainers do many different tasks. A signalman may be working on a construction or troubleshooting issues with signals. Each of these tasks has different potential injuries. Signal maintainers may be doing electrical work or walking on uneven ballast. Signalmen and signal maintainers may be near heavy machinery hoisting signals or equipment. Signal maintainers can be injured by digging to bury the lines.

Any type of injury could have substantial consequences for a signal maintainer. The physical, emotional, and financial fallout from a severe injury can lead to life-long challenges. A successful Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) claim could result in monetary compensation for these losses. While a successful claim might be possible, pursuing a claim without legal counsel could put your recovery at risk.

Proving Liability Under FELA

Railroad employees, including railroad signal maintainers, are covered FELA. This statute provides an avenue for compensation for railroad workers’ job-related injuries. According to the law, an injured signalman will only recover compensation if they establish that their employer caused the condition responsible for their injury. This could involve an injury caused by deteriorated equipment, uneven walking surfaces, or lack of proper equipment to do their job safely. Any failure to provide a safe environment for a signal maintainer could result in a successful FELA claim.

Unlike workers’ compensation claims, FELA requires the injury victim to establish that their employer was negligent. This can make for a challenging claims process, as railroads typically fight back against every claim for compensation. The sooner an injured worker seeks out legal counsel, the better their chances are of finding success.

Compensation for Injured Signal Maintainers & Signalmen

The compensation under a FELA claim can be substantial, depending on how severe the injuries are. When injuries are permanent, FELA benefits could continue for the rest of a signal maintainer’s life. Examples of compensation from a successful FELA claim include:

  • Lost wages and benefits
  • Disfigurement
  • Long-term disability
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Employment retraining
  • Pain and suffering

Discuss Railroad Signal Maintainer Injuries with a New York Attorney

Railroad signalmen face the risk of injury every day in order to keep the trains running. When workplace injuries occur, the railroad companies do not always show the same degree of loyalty. It often requires aggressively pursuing a claim under FELA to obtain the compensation you need. If you are ready to move forward with your injury claim, there is no time to delay. Contact an experienced railroad injury attorney today to discuss railroad signal maintainer and signalmen injuries in New York and how our firm can fight for you.

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