Accidents in the workplace cause nearly 3 million work-related injuries in the United States each year.
Every day more than eighty workers are killed on the job and 20,000 are sent to the hospital due to work-related injuries.
Injuries sustained on the railroad have different regulations than on regular job sites.
It can be confusing to figure out your legal options for wages and overall compensation if you are injured at work on the railroad.
Read this guide to learn more about railroad injury compensation.
What Can I Do If I’m Injured at Work on the Railroad?
Accidents can be devastating. If you’ve been through a workplace accident on the railroad, there are a few things you need to know. First, you should contact your employer as soon as possible to report the injury. Always remember, there can be more than one party responsible for the accident.
In addition, know what injuries you have, and keep track of your health and safety. Speak to the police or railroad personnel to report the accident. Never turned down even the minor workplace injury.
What Are My Legal Options?
Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get legal help. As an employee, you can make a workers’ compensation claim, or receive benefits through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
If you are receiving benefits through the RRB, be aware that these benefits may not cover all of the costs associated with your injury. You may also have to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to receive benefits.
In addition, be sure to keep track of all payments that you receive from the RRB so that you can ensure that you are fully reimbursed for all of your expenses related to your injury.
Last but not least, if you are sure, the accident wasn’t your fault in the first place, you can always file a claim.
How Do I File a Claim?
There are a few different ways to file a claim if you have been injured on the railroad. Legal options can vary depending on the state in which you live, so it is important to speak with the relevant attorney if you have any questions about your legal rights.
If you are an employee, then first it is better to file a worker injury compensation claim. This is the most common way to get help if you have been injured at work. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages while you are recovering.
If you are not covered by workers’ compensation, another option is to file a personal injury lawsuit. In this case, you would likely sue your employer and/or the person, or company who was responsible at the time of the accident. It is important to consult with one of the experienced railroad lawyers if you have any questions about your legal rights.
Key Takeaways
If you’ve been injured at work on the railroad, you may be wondering what your legal options are. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know. First, you should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible.
You should also seek medical attention if you’re injured. Then, you can file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury lawsuit. You may also be able to pursue a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
