Amtrak Train Accident Lawyer
If you’re a railway worker injured in an Amtrak train accident in Virginia or elsewhere, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help. With extensive knowledge of the Federal Employers Liability Act, the firm’s Amtrak injury lawyers aid employees in receiving fair compensation. Founder John M. Cooper is a top-rated FELA Amtrak train accident lawyer with an experienced and accomplished team. Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can guide you through your FELA Amtrak lawsuit.
Thousands of workers are injured yearly in railroad accidents, including on Amtrak trains and at Amtrak sites. The Federal Employers Liability Act protects rail workers injured on the job by allowing them to sue their employers for negligence.
If you’ve been hurt in an Amtrak accident, don’t take on the railroad’s legal team alone. You need an experienced attorney on your side. A skilled FELA lawyer can help you pursue legal action against your employer and receive the compensation you deserve.
By working with a knowledgeable Amtrak train accident lawyer, you’ll get support navigating complex train accident laws, upholding your rights, and recovering costly damages. Contact Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers so we can analyze your case and guide your FELA Amtrak lawsuit from start to finish.
Rely on an Experienced Amtrak Train Accident Lawyer
FELA dictates railroad safety guidelines to provide a safe workplace for railroad employees and gives railroad workers the right to compensation when they get hurt on the job due to employer negligence.
FELA allows railway workers to seek compensation for lost wages and benefits, medical expenses, disabilities, and pain and suffering. It also allows family members to recover wrongful death damages if a loved one is killed on the job. FELA protects rail workers from termination or retaliation if you hire a FELA lawyer or take legal action against your railway employer.
A lawyer handling a worker’s Amtrak lawsuit needs to know how to prove Amtrak was negligent and how to calculate the damages you’re entitled to under FELA. Hiring an experienced railroad accident lawyer can help you take on the railroad’s claims department. The claims department’s job is to minimize the company’s liability and pay as little compensation as legally possible.
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers is one of the few personal injury law firms handling railroad-related cases. Founding partner John M. Cooper is a leading railroad attorney with an extensive understanding of FELA and Amtrak train accident lawsuits. He is also a member of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys.
John and his team have an outstanding track record of case results and have recovered multimillion-dollar awards and settlements. Recently, John successfully represented a client injured in a rail yard accident, recovering $303,000 for the client by taking the claim to a federal jury.
John’s impressive career has earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Chairmanship of the FELA Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice from 2011 to 2017
- Designation as a Top Lawyer by Coastal Virginia Magazine
- Recognition as a Virginia Super Lawyer
- Highest AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell
- 10/10 rating by Avvo
Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers provides free materials about railroad injury rights, including the book, “Your Rights When You Are Injured on the Railroad,” and a resource guide for railway workers. This guide can help you understand the challenges associated with FELA cases before you speak with a train accident lawyer. We also answer frequently asked questions about railway accidents on our website.
FELA for Amtrak Workers
FELA aims to shift the costs associated with railway workers’ injuries from workers to their employers. It also encourages employers to promote safe standards within their railroad operations and take precautions that prevent workplace injuries.
FELA claims are a niche of personal injury law designed specifically to protect railroad workers. It differs from traditional workers’ no-fault compensation laws. FELA requires you to prove the railroad’s negligence contributed to your injury. Examples of negligence include the following:
- Unsafe work conditions can lead to slip-and-fall accidents, a lack of safety barriers, and workers’ exposure to unsafe substances.
- Inadequate training can result in a lack of safety protocols and improper use of equipment.
- Defective equipment can cause malfunctioning machinery, defective rail cars, and faulty safety gear.
If you believe you have a FELA claim, contact an experienced FELA railway attorney to discuss your rights and potential compensation.
Types of Amtrak Accidents
Amtrak operates an extensive rail network across the United States. It serves more than 500 locations across 46 U.S. states and Canada. Trains travel at speeds up to 150 miles per hour. In 2022, Amtrak averaged 62,800 trips per day.
With so many trips, accidents inevitably happen. In 2021, there were 893 railroad-related deaths—a 20 percent increase over the previous year. While these deaths were not exclusive to railroad workers, they demonstrate the inherently dangerous nature of railways. In the same year, there were 3,216 nonfatal occupational injuries related to railways.
There are several types of Amtrak accidents, including:
- Derailments
- Collisions with vehicles
- Collisions with other trains
- Pedestrian accidents
- Onboard injuries
- Railway crossing accidents
- Equipment malfunction
- Unsafe workplace practices
You may have a FELA claim if you were injured in a railway accident while working.
Recent Amtrak Accidents
Here are some recent noteworthy Amtrak accidents that resulted in worker injuries:
- One Washington, D.C., Amtrak employee was injured when a pair of Amtrak train cars derailed.
- Five Boston Amtrak workers were injured when two Amtrak trucks collided.
A Union Pacific employee was seriously injured during an Amtrak accident.
Common Causes of Amtrak Accidents
Amtrak train accidents have numerous causes, including the following:
- Faulty or old equipment: Broken rails and welds are the most common cause of train derailments and can cause serious work-related injuries.
- Malfunctioning crossing gates or signal lights: When these safeguards malfunction, it can result in devastating injuries to workers.
- Lack of capital for safety investments: Insufficient funding can lead to railway companies cutting corners or inadequately maintaining the work sites.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Train Accident Claim?
The time limit for filing a legal claim is called the statute of limitations. These deadlines vary by state. The statute of limitations for filing a train accident claim under FELA is three years.
In rare cases, there are exceptions. An Amtrak accident lawyer can analyze your claim and determine the statute of limitations for your case.
Choose a Skilled Amtrak Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in an Amtrak train accident while working, Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay unless we win.
Contact us for your free consultation with a FELA Amtrak train accident lawyer.
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