Train Accidents / FELA Claims

Every year, many passengers on trains sustain injuries in a variety of different ways, including situations when the train is involved in an accident with another train or motor vehicle or while exiting or entering the trains. In addition, many people sustain severe injuries while working on or near railroad tracks, among other types of railroad accidents.

Although travel by train has gotten safer as technology has progressed there have still been accidents and injuries. The National Transportation Safety Bureau reports that there have been 15 railroad accidents since 2010. The United States Department of Transportation-Research and Innovative Technology Administration reports 27 train fatalities and 321 injuries in 2008.

Train accidents may be rare, but when they do occur they are sadly often quite severe. On May 17, 2013 in Bridgeport, Connecticut an eastbound Metro-North train derailed and was struck by a westbound Metro-North train which led to injuries of over 70 people. Perhaps most alarming was the December, 2013 train accident in New York City in which a Metro North train traveling nearly three times the speed limit derailed causing numerous deaths and injuries. If you were injured in a train accident of this type, you are entitled to financial compensation.

In addition, an employee of the railroad who is injured during the course and scope of his employment can bring a lawsuit against the railroad for his injuries under the Federal Employers Liability Act, known as the FELA.

Attorney Michael P. Foley, Jr. was recently co-counsel in a case involving a project manager for an engineering firm who was working on a flat bed high rail vehicle located in a tunnel in Queens, New York, when the high rail vehicle was struck by a high rail crane owned and operated by Amtrak, causing him to sustain severe and disabling injuries. Suit was instituted against the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), and other companies in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Man Recovers $8,000,000 in Suit Against Amtrak The case settled following the second day of mediation for the sum of $8,000,000.00.

If you were injured while a passenger on a train, were struck or injured by a railroad car or injured during the course and scope of your employment with the railroad, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible in order to discuss your rights. If you wait you may lose your right to compensation.

If you would like more information about how to proceed with a claim against the railroad, please fill out the consultation form or call us at (203) 250-7212. We will be able to consider your particular situation and help you decide how to pursue your claim.