Common Railroad Worker Injuries

In September 2023, a 56-year-old railroad worker died when a train struck him at a railyard in Ohio. His death is a stark reminder of how hazardous these environments can be. Railroad workers can experience all manner of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to life-altering brain damage. No matter the circumstances, our railroad accident lawyers are ready to evaluate and handle your case. 

• Head Injuries

A head injury from falling cargo, tools, and equipment can be extremely painful and potentially life-threatening. Railroad accidents, including accidents caused by falling objects or collisions with moving objects, often result in skull fractures, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries. These types of incidents can cause short-term and long-term cognitive and physical impairment. 

• Back Injuries

Railroad workers frequently lift and move heavy objects, including cargo, train parts, and rail equipment, all of which can strain the spine and back muscles. Slip-and-falls and falling objects can also injure a worker’s back. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, as well as make it difficult for workers to stay employed and get around in their day-to-day lives. 

• Burns

The risk of electrical and chemical burns is nearly constant for rail workers. Explosions, fires, chemical solvents, and ruptured hoses all have the potential to cause serious burns. Unfortunately, burns are some of the most serious injuries we handle in our personal injury practice. Often, burn victims need skin grafts, rehabilitation, and treatment for long-term pain. 

• Repetitive Motion Injuries

Unlike other types of injuries, which tend to occur suddenly during an accident, repetitive motion injuries develop gradually over time. Railroad workers spend much of their time bending over, crouching, and lifting heavy objects. Over time, repeating these motions every day can cause chronic pain and damage to the spine, muscles, and joints. 

• Hearing Loss

Although the Federal Railroad Administration has implemented strict noise limits for locomotive cabs, the working conditions in and around trains, railways, and railyards remain extremely noisy. The constant presence of loud noise can cause hearing loss and, in the worst cases, deafness. These conditions are often irreversible and require ongoing care and rehabilitation.

• Broken Bones

If you work on a railroad, you may spend a lot of your time walking on uneven surfaces, dealing with oil and other slick substances, or traversing across unstable ballast. All of these activities can lead to falls and broken bones. Fractures and breaks often require surgery and physical therapy during treatment. They also take time to heal, leaving injury victims unable to work during recovery.

• Electrocution

Electrocution is a significant risk for workers servicing rail cars. Touching live wires and poorly maintained machinery can cause electric shocks that burn the skin, nervous system, and internal organs. Needless to say, this type of injury can lead to many serious consequences, including deep burns, tissue damage, internal injuries, and cardiac arrest. Our electrocution injury lawyers can help if you’ve suffered an electric shock injury on the railroad.

• Amputation 

When a part of your body is lacerated or crushed, it may lead to permanent disfigurement or impairment that hinders your ability to move or work. In some cases, doctors may have to amputate the injured limb, perhaps even requiring victims to use a prosthetic. Of course, this can cause substantial loss in mobility and severely impact their overall quality of life.