Railroad-Provided Hotels/Accommodations Injury Lawyer

During long-distance freight hauling, railroad employers often provide train crews with overnight lodging. Workers commonly suffer injuries at these accommodations due to unsafe conditions on hotel properties. Unfortunately, many workers do not know that they may be entitled to full and fair compensation for injuries occurring during these overnight stays. A railroad-provided hotels/accommodations injury lawyer from Doran & Murphy can provide more information.

Does FELA Cover Injuries Sustained at Hotels Provided by the Railroad?

Some workers believe that because they are off duty, or not on railroad property, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) does not apply. This is not true. If the railroad lodges employees at a hotel, they are still subject to the law during that time. This means the railroad has a duty to inspect the lodging and to provide reasonably safe accommodations.

Some railroads have indemnification contracts with the hotels, but that doesn’t change the fact that there may be liability. If a railroad worker is injured as the result of unsafe conditions at their work lodging, the railroad is responsible even though it didn’t take place on railroad property. Under the law, it is the same as being injured due to unsafe conditions while working.

How Do Workers Get Injured at Hotels Provided by the Railroad?

Injuries at railroad accommodations can happen in many ways. The most common injuries are the result of unsafe property conditions such as icy grounds, wet floors, tripping hazards, and equipment malfunction. Certain hotels have also been found to lack appropriate security measures for protecting their guests. In addition, the failure to have appropriate safety features such as handrails or caution signs can also lead to injuries.

What Are the Common Injuries Sustained by Railroad Workers During Overnight Stays?

Given the countless ways a worker can get injured during an overnight hotel stay, every injury imaginable is possible, even death. The most common injuries are the result of slips, trips, and falls. These typically result in sprains, strains, broken bones, dislocations, concussions, as well as various knee, ankle, back, and shoulder injuries.

What Should I Do if I Was Injured During an Overnight at Railroad Accommodations?

If you are injured during an overnight stay at railroad accommodations, the most important thing to do is to document any unsafe conditions that may have contributed to your injury. The best way to do this is by taking photographs, and reporting your injury to the hotel and/or the railroad if required. It is also important to get the names and contact information of any witnesses that may have witnessed the incident.

Next, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if it does not seem like a significant injury. Many injuries take a while to manifest and it is important to be properly diagnosed as early as possible. You should also contact an experienced attorney who can explain your options and advise you as to the appropriate steps to take to ensure your right to compensation is preserved.

Contact a Railroad-Provided Hotels/Accommodations Injury Attorney

The railroad-provided hotels/accommodations injury lawyers at Doran & Murphy have the knowledge and experience to maximize your recovery in the event you are injured in the course of your duties for the railroad, even during overnight stays at hotels provided by the railroad. If you are a railroad worker who has suffered an injury, contact a railroad-provided hotels/accommodations injury lawyer today for a free consultation.