Standing Up For Injured Railroad Workers Across The East Coast

Last updated on April 25, 2025

Workers in the railroad industry are protected under specific legislation that recognizes their unique contribution to the economy and the special risks involved in railroad work.

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), passed in 1908, is considered by some to be the country’s first major social legislation. While FELA did much to improve worker safety, railroads still developed policies to discourage claims, such as firing workers who reported injuries regardless of their own negligence. In 2008, Congress amended the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA) to include a Whistleblower provision to curb these practices.

Darby Law Group’s extensive experience and focus on railroad litigation make the team uniquely aware of railroads’ strategies to defeat claims. Helping counter those strategies are experienced attorney Matt Darby and five veteran railroad workers who serve as Field Representatives conveniently located to visit clients and investigate claims immediately.

If you need legal assistance with any of the following matters, please contact us.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Injuries Railroad Workers Suffer?

Railroad workers face numerous hazards that can lead to serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries encountered include:

• Traumatic injuries: Broken bones from falls, crush injuries from equipment, amputations from moving machinery, brain and spinal cord injuries from accidents, and burns from chemical exposures or fires.
• Cumulative trauma injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive tasks, hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure, degenerative joint disease from years of physical strain, back injuries from repeated lifting and vibration-related injuries from equipment operation.
• Occupational diseases: Asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma, lung diseases from diesel exhaust exposure, silicosis from silica dust inhalation, cancers linked to toxic chemical exposure and noise-induced hearing loss from sustained loud environments.

These injuries can have devastating effects on workers’ lives, often requiring extensive medical treatment and potentially ending careers prematurely.

What Should I Do After Suffering A Railroad Injury?

Taking the right steps after a railroad injury is crucial:

• Report the injury and seek immediate medical attention
• Document everything about the incident
• Avoid signing documents without legal advice
• Contact a FELA attorney before discussing with railroad officials

For more detailed guidance, visit our comprehensive guide to protecting your rights after a railroad injury.

Traumatic Injuries (FELA)

Railroad employee injuries occur often and are frequently catastrophic. The main route for recovery from traumatic injuries sustained by railroad workers is the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). To win the case, we must prove that the railroad was at fault for causing the injury. Other Federal laws, such as the Federal Safety Appliance Act (FSAA) and the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA) or other regulations, may be involved.

Cumulative Traumatic Injuries (FELA)

After many years of railroad work, most employees suffer from some form of orthopedic injury. These injuries include osteoarthritis of the knees, back and neck, shoulders, etc. It is difficult to find an experienced railroad worker who has not had at least one surgery or significant time off from work due to an orthopedic condition. These cumulative work injuries are often avoidable if the railroad had employed simple ergonomic principles. These “occupational” cases can be pursued under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.

Railroad Whistleblower Claims (FRSA)

Railroad employees have long recognized that their employers have a well-established culture of harassment and intimidation with regard to the reporting of work-related injuries and safety issues in general. At long last, there is protection for railroad employees who report injuries or unsafe conditions.

Guiding You Through The FELA Claims Process

After suffering an injury or occupational illness in connection to railroad work, what you do next matters greatly. It is critical to carefully navigate the FELA claims process. Missteps could jeopardize your chances of getting the relief you need. Attorney Darby and the rest of the team at our firm are ready to help you with every step. Throughout the process, they can answer questions you have regarding your claim and guide you forward.

Conductor And Engineer Certification

Railroad engineers and conductors are required to be certified under federal law. The certification procedures are administered by the railroad that employs them. Unfortunately, railroads often fail to employ the proper certification procedures. This results in engineers and conductors who are incorrectly denied recertification. Thus, they are denied the opportunity to continue working in their craft and lose significant wages and benefits.

Serving Railroad Workers Throughout The East Coast

From our office in suburban Baltimore, Darby Law Group, LLC, serves injured railroad workers across the East Coast. Our practice represents railroad workers in the following states:

• Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• New York
• Massachusetts

Does Darby Law Group Represent Railroad Union Members?

Yes, Darby Law Group has strong connections with railroad unions. Attorney Matt Darby serves as Union Designated Legal Counsel for multiple railroad labor organizations, including SMART-TD and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen. This designation recognizes Matt Darby’s commitment to protecting railroad workers’ rights.

When Should I Contact A FELA Attorney?

If you’ve been injured while working for a railroad, you should contact a FELA attorney as soon as possible after receiving medical attention. Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA is a fault-based system where you must prove the railroad company’s or a coworker’s negligence contributed to your injury. Taking prompt action is critical because:

• Railroad companies begin investigating accidents immediately to build their defense
• Evidence at accident scenes can quickly disappear or be altered
• Witness memories fade over time
• Statements made to railroad officials without legal representation may harm your claim
• The three-year statute of limitations begins running from the date of the injury or when you reasonably should have known about an occupational illness

Even seemingly minor injuries should be evaluated by a FELA attorney, as some conditions worsen over time. The sooner you involve legal representation, the better your chances of securing fair compensation.

Legal Mobile App For Railroad Workers

Mr. Darby’s mobile app contains important legal information critical to Railroad Workers, an updated blog feed, a direct contact feature and much more. Now, Railroad Workers can keep Matt right in their pocket and share with others who may need his services. Download Matt Darby’s mobile app and feel protected knowing he is just a click away.

Reach Out For Comprehensive Support

Let us protect your rights when you are harmed in connection to railroad work. Based in Hunt Valley, we help railroad workers navigate all aspects of injury, occupational illness and disability claims. Learn more about how we can help you pursue the compensation you need by calling 866-409-6136 or contacting us online.