Each railroad accident is different and many different factors can contribute to the cause. Who was negligent, the driver of a motor vehicle, a pedestrian, the operator of the train, the railroad or another party? Was the railroad crossing safe or was it in need of maintenance and repair? And, how can you prove damages and negotiate or litigate for the compensation you deserve?

The attorneys of the personal injury law firm of Clay, Massey & Associates, P.C., have successfully handled dozens of railroad accident cases for:

• Motor vehicle drivers
• Pedestrians
• Railroad workers, including yard workers, engineers and conductors

We have handled cases involving a broad range of circumstances and types of negligence, including:

• Crossing accidents involving improper signaling and defective signals
• Injuries from crushing, injuries involving loss of limb, spine and head injuries, wrongful death and other injuries
• Accidents occurring in switch yards, including injuries involving distracting and deafening noise

Fighting for Victims’ Rights in Alabama’s Biggest Train Accident

One of our most notable train crash cases occurred in 1993 when we handled several injury cases resulting from the Amtrak crash known as “The Sunset Limited Crash” and “The Big Bayou Canot Train Wreck”. The crash occurred when a tugboat struck a railroad bridge resulting in 47 deaths and receiving extensive national coverage.

Our investigation and representation resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for our injured clients.

What Remedies Does A Railroad Worker Have If Injured While Working?

Most individuals who are injured at work are prohibited from filing ordinary personal injury lawsuits against their employers. Instead, injured workers are generally required to file a claim under the state’s workers compensation procedure. An injured railroad worker must bring a claim for benefits under the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) for compensation for his injuries. FELA is similar to many state workers’ compensation systems with the exception that a railroad employee must be able to prove some level of employer negligence in order to make a recovery. In comparison, most state systems are based upon no-fault theories of recovery where neither the negligence of the employer or the employee is examined.

Laws, rules, and regulations require a railroad to furnish a reasonably safe workplace for the benefit and protection of its employees. In keeping with this requirement, a railroad has a duty to inspect and discover defects that may result in injury. In some circumstances, this may include the duty to uncover defects that should be obvious to a railroad employee. A railroad also has a duty to warn its employees of any hazardous or unsafe conditions of which it is aware, or should be aware. A railroad is also required to take other steps to ensure the safety of its workers, including providing adequate training and supervision, appropriate tools and safe equipment and enforcing only reasonable work quotas.

Injured In A Railroad Accident? Hire An Experienced Attorney!

For more information regarding our firm and your rights following a railroad accident, contact our firm. We are conveniently located in downtown Mobile, Alabama, and serve clients throughout Baldwin County. We are available for hospital and home visits and work exclusively on a contingency fee basis — you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case.