Trains offer the comfort and safety of traveling for long distances. They are the perfect alternative to air travel or taking a bus. Many people use trains to commute to and from work every day. When riding on a train, you put your trust in someone else’s hands that you will arrive at your destination safely. But that’s not always the case.
If you get into a railroad accident or are injured at a railroad crossing in New Jersey, you may be concerned with what happens next. Your first course of action after finding medical assistance is contacting Jersey City personal injury law firm the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone. We have been helping train accident clients in Jersey City, Newark, and throughout New Jersey and are ready to assist you.
Common Causes of Railroad Accidents
Surprisingly, train accidents happen more often than you would imagine. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were more than 1,700 train accidents in 2014. And according to the US Department of Transportation there are about 5,800 vehicle train crashes each year, causing 600 deaths. Most of which occur at railroad crossings.
The most common causes for a railroad accident include:
- malfunctioning train signals
- failing or defective mechanics
- inadequate maintenance
- safety malfunctioning or not present
- unprotected rail crossings
- conductor negligence
The FELA and Workplace Accidents
The Federal Employer Liability Act of 1908 was created to protect and compensate railroad workers and their families after being injured on the job. It is considered one of the first workers compensation and industrial safety statute and still relevant today. Almost any injury suffered will be protected under FELA and the claim can be made directly to the employer or railroad company and that suit can be brought to court either on a federal or state level.
However, it’s important to know that you will need to establish that your injuries were a direct result of your employer’s negligence. According to FELA, the railroad has certain duties to its employees, such as:
- Providing a safe work environment
- Inspect the environment to make sure it’s free of hazards
- Provide adequate training, supervision, assistance, and help to employees
- Make sure no harm comes to the workers from a third party
- Enforce federal and state safety regulations
- Prevent use of unreasonable quotes
Contact New Jersey Railroad Accident Anthony Carbone Today
If you have been involved in a railroad accident, don’t wait much longer. the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone offers tough, aggressive legal representation to get you the compensation that you deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation. Not serving clients in Jersey City, Newark, and throughout New Jersey.
