A Guide to Railroad Worker Rights
There’s a reason why there are nearly 100,000 railroad workers found in the United States. We rely on these workers every day to transport both goods and individuals across the country. Sadly, the railroad industry is undeniably dangerous.
The good news is that if you’re a railroad worker, then you have rights that protect you in the event of an injury or even death. So, what are these rights? If you want to know the answer, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about railroad worker rights. Let’s get started!
What Are Your Rights As a Railroad Worker?
There’s no denying that railroad work is dangerous. Sadly, for a long time, railroad workers received little to no compensation when they were injured on the job. However, this all changed when Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (or FELA) in 1908.
This law made it mandatory for railroad companies to provide their workers with a safe place to work. That means that any place, be it a train, engine, machinery, or track must be safe.
On top of that, any equipment or tools need to be in safe, operating condition. If any of these places or equipment is unsafe, then it’s the railroad’s responsibility. Additionally, if injuries or death are caused by the carelessness of a supervisor or employee of the railroad, then the company is also responsible.
What Should You Do If You’re Injured On the Job?
So, what should you do if you’re a railroad worker that’s been injured on the job? First, you should tell your supervisor immediately. From there you or your supervisor should fill out an accident report.
This report should contain your injuries, the potential causes of them, and any witnesses that were present for the injury. Make sure that you get a copy of the report for your use.
After that, you should immediately seek medical attention. Make sure to give the medical professional as much detail as you can about the nature of the injury and what caused it.
Finally, you should contact an attorney that specializes in railroad cases. They’ll walk you through the process of how to get compensation. But, how do you find an attorney that you can trust?
If you need a suggestion, then look no further than Flynn and Wietzke. This law team specializes in railroad cases, so you know that you’re getting the expertise that you deserve.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn more about railroad worker rights. As you can see, if you’ve been injured on the job, then you’re entitled to proper compensation. So, get in touch with a lawyer that specializes in these types of cases.
That way, you can get the money that you deserve. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
