When most people think of a personal injury attorney, they’re likely to imagine cases involving auto accidents. But while McKinney roads do see many accidents each year, railroad injuries are also common in North Texas.
From railroad workers suffering injuries carrying out their duties, to passengers experiencing a train derailment, accidents and injuries are inevitable. Let’s examine what you can do if you suffer a railroad injury.
What to Do After a Railroad Injury
When you have been injured in a train accident, you need to speak to an experienced railroad injury attorney. Railroad injuries are a complex area of the law. Many railroaders are not covered by normal workers’ compensation laws. Railroad employers are covered by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Only an attorney who has knowledge and experience in this area would know how to properly handle your case. Here is what you need to do if you were injured while working on a railroad.
Seek Medical Assistance
Most railroad injuries are serious and require immediate medical assistance. However, if you suffered a minor injury, a medical professional still should be consulted. A seemingly small injury may turn into a rather large one if not properly addressed. Failure to get it seen quickly may result in an inability to completely collect your damages.
Record and Keep
Write down your account of the events leading up to your injury. This is very useful information for a railroad injury attorney. Be brief and stick to the facts. If anyone was present at the time of your injury, ask him or her to write a brief witness statement. Gather important documents such as medical bills or letters from your employer. You will want these things when you speak to your railroad injury attorney.
Be Aware of Your Rights
If you suffered an injury as a train passenger, you can read about your legal rights in a public transportation accident here. Railroad workers are covered under FELA, meaning these rights differ from traditional workers’ compensation. Under FELA, workers are required to prove that the injury was partly caused by the negligence of a relevant party, or was due to faulty equipment. However, unlike workers’ compensation, you have the right to sue an employer for negligence.
Complete a Personal Injury Report
Injured railroad workers will be required to complete a personal injury report after an incident. Make sure to complete the form yourself, rather than having a manager or supervisor fill it out for you. Provide only mandatory information until you have contacted an attorney, as a simple mistake could jeopardize any potential compensation.
Schedule a Consultation
As soon as you are able, schedule a consultation with a railroad injury attorney. This is a brief 30-minute to one hour meeting in which you meet with an attorney and discuss the facts of your case. Bring your documents and be prepared to answer basic questions about what happened. A good attorney will listen intently and then provide you with advice on how to move forward with your case. And your workplace injury attorney will be invaluable when it comes to securing fair compensation.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in McKinney and North Texas
Lucé Law, PC is an established law firm covering personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, railroad injury cases and much more. Contact our McKinney office to discuss the details of your case, and to learn how we can help. Call (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation today.
