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Railroad Worker on-the-job Injuries
Railroad workers include those involved in railroad construction as well as those working on the train itself. These workers are protected under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which mandates that workers injured or killed on the job are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the accident. These accidents can be caused by:
- Improper supervision
- Human error
- Poor working conditions
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Hazardous equipment
- Equipment failure
- Inadequate safety measures
- Failure to follow safety regulations
According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), approximately 12 railroad workers were killed each year between 2013 and 2016. Approximately 3,924 railroad workers were injured each year in the same time period.
Common Causes of Train Passenger Injuries
Train passengers can be injured or killed when the train they are on is involved in a collision. These accidents can be caused by:
- Conductor negligence
- Mechanical failure
- Outdated train tracks
- Poor track maintenance
- Train derailment
- Defective automatic warning devices
- Collision with a vehicle
- Collision with another train
Non-passengers at Risk of Severe Injuries
Other motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can also be injured or killed as a result of a train accident. In 2014, there were 2,088 accidents that occurred at a highway-railroad crossing intersection. These incidents can be caused by:
- Driver error
- Conductor negligence
- Defective automatic warning devices
- Defective rail crossing signs
