Railroad Accidents and FELA Attorneys in Miami

Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Florida

Railroad accidents are especially devastating as they often result in catastrophic damage, serious injury, and death to those involved. It is important that you seek legal counsel if you or someone you love has been involved in a train accident.

The rail system in the United States is extensive, and railway companies have the resources necessary to defend their interests in court in the event of an injury accident. Hiring an experienced and determined attorney can provide you with the leverage you need.

Victims of train accidents may be entitled to compensation that will help with medical costs and recovery, loss of income, and pain and suffering. At our office, our experienced railroad accident attorneys can review your case and advise an effective course of action to help ensure you obtain the compensation you deserve. We proudly provide representation to those who live in and near the Miami, Florida area.

Common Causes of Railroad Accidents

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, grade crossing railroad accidents are the greatest cause of fatalities and injuries in the railroad industry. It is the railroad’s responsibility to ensure there are appropriate signals and gates at railroad crossings to avoid serious accidents and injuries. If the railroad fails to provide adequate warnings, they can be held liable for any injury or death that occurs as a result.

Other common causes of railroad accidents include:

• Derailments
• Collisions with passenger vehicles or other trains
• Accidents due to mechanical failure

Pedestrian accidents have been on the rise across Florida as well, including those involved with passenger trains and railroads. In 2018, data from Smart Growth America showed that pedestrian accidents on a whole were at a 10-year high in Florida. Recently, the Brightline Rail Line, a high-speed private rail line that operates from Fort Lauderdale-to-West Palm Beach route and will be expanding to include Miami-Dade County, has already had six pedestrian accident deaths since its creation in 2017.

Some of the most common injuries associated with train and railroad accidents include:

• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Sprains
• Fractures
• Head trauma
• Paralysis
• Amputations
• Wrongful death

Railroad Workers and FELA

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) was passed by Congress in 1908 and still applies to railroad workers today. Employees who work in the railroad industry can seek compensation for injuries sustained on the job through FELA. Traditional workers’ compensation benefits typically do not apply and are not available to rail employees, and as such, FELA is usually the sole means of obtaining compensation for on-the-job injuries for those in the rail industry.

While workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide compensation for injured workers without the need for legal action, all FELA claims are presented before a court, and the plaintiff must prove negligence on the part of the defendant (i.e., the railroad company) to obtain compensation for his or her injuries. If you are seeking a Miami injury lawyer who handles train accident cases, attorney John H. (Jack) Hickey has the experience, knowledge, and drive you are looking for. We urge you to utilize the services of an attorney if you are looking to file a FELA claim.

Contact Our Experienced Train Accident Lawyers Today

Railroad accident cases and FELA cases involving a railroad worker can be difficult to take to court without the proper representation. Our attorney, John H. (Jack) Hickey can provide you with sound legal counsel and diligent representation as he represented railroad companies for the first five years of his legal career. He has the inside experience and knowledge that you need for a positive outcome to your case.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a train or for help with a railroad wrongful death case, please contact our experienced attorneys online today or call us for a free case evaluation. We serve the greater Miami area of Florida.