Railroad Injury Lawyer in Galesburg, IL
Protecting BNSF Rail Workers & Families
Galesburg is more than a railroad town; it is a historic cornerstone of the nation’s freight network. As the intersection of major north-south and east-west lines, the city is defined by the presence of the BNSF Railway (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) and the enormous Galesburg Classification Yard. Dating back to the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q), this yard remains one of the most extensive and most critical rail facilities in the Midwest.
If you are a railroad employee injured while working in the Galesburg Yard, at the locomotive maintenance depot, or anywhere along the BNSF lines in Knox County, your legal rights are governed by federal law. The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC provides focused legal representation for injured rail workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
Book a free initial consultation with a Galesburg railroad injury attorney by contacting us online or at (464) 250-9272. Your consultation can be held virtually if you are unable to travel.
Why Choose The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC?
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Proven ExperienceWith years spent in high-stakes toxic tort and FELA litigation, Gregory brings a deep understanding of the law and its challenges. His experience on both sides of the courtroom strengthens every case he takes on.
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Client-Focused CareClients receive direct communication, honest guidance, and steady support from start to finish. Gregory makes complex cases easier to navigate by keeping clients informed and involved every step of the way.
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Relentless AdvocacyGregory approaches every case with determination and a commitment to securing justice for his clients. He fights hard to hold corporations accountable and pushes for the maximum recovery available.
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Insider AdvantageWith over a decade defending major corporations, Gregory understands exactly how they build and protect their cases. He now uses that knowledge to anticipate their moves and create stronger strategies for injured individuals.
Why You Need a FELA Lawyer in Galesburg
Railroad workers are specifically excluded from Illinois state workers’ compensation benefits. Your sole path to recovery is through a FELA claim, which fundamentally differs from other injury cases.
The FELA Requirement: Proving Negligence
To receive compensation under FELA, you must prove the BNSF Railway was negligent and that this negligence contributed to your injury or illness. This is not automatic compensation.
Your case demands an attorney with an intricate understanding of:
- BNSF operational protocols - Knowing the safety rules and how they are often violated during humping, switching, or block train operations within the Galesburg Yard.
- Federal safety standards - Identifying where the railroad failed to comply with OSHA, FRA, or other mandates that protect employees.
An attorney familiar with the unique complexities of BNSF’s operations in Galesburg is essential to building the strong negligence case FELA requires.
Handling Serious Cases Against Heavy Industry
We Handle Toxic Exposure, Asbestos, and Fela Claims
Specific Galesburg Rail Hazards & Occupational Disease
The scale and history of Galesburg's rail operations have created specific dangers for its workforce, including serious occupational diseases:
- Occupational cancers and toxic exposure - Workers often face prolonged exposure to toxic agents in and around the yards. This exposure to diesel exhaust fumes, solvents, and materials from the historical creosote-based tie plant near the yard is known to cause or contribute to various types of cancer (such as lung, bladder, and kidney), leukemia, and other chronic respiratory illnesses.
- Galesburg Yard traumatic injuries - Due to the heavy classification volume, common traumatic injuries include:
- Humping and switching accidents - Crush injuries and falls resulting from sudden stops or miscommunication during yard movements.
- Maintenance depot risks - Injuries from using defective machinery, burns, or electrocution in the locomotive maintenance areas.
- Cumulative trauma - Back and joint injuries from continuous, repetitive lifting and labor on track gangs or in the yards.
Protecting Your Rights & Financial Future
BNSF is a massive corporation with a powerful internal claims department. Immediately after an injury, they will work to minimize the financial impact on the company.
Warning: You should not speak to a railroad claims agent, sign any release of information, or give a recorded statement until you have consulted with an independent FELA attorney.
It is critical to be aware of the three-year statute of limitations for FELA claims. For occupational diseases like cancer, this three-year period begins on the date you were diagnosed and learned that the illness was related to your work exposure. Do not risk losing your right to compensation by delaying.
Compensation for Galesburg Railroad Workplace Injuries
The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC provides aggressive legal representation to injured Galesburg rail workers to help you seek the full protection and benefits available under FELA.
We pursue maximum compensation for:
- Medical costs - Covering all past and future treatment, specialist consultations, and long-term care required for both traumatic injuries and occupational diseases.
- Lost income - Securing compensation for lost wages, benefits, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Personal damages - Recovering compensation for physical pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are only paid if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
If you are a BNSF rail worker facing the physical and financial consequences of a workplace injury or occupational disease, you do not have to fight the railroad alone. With over 20 years of legal experience in the area, our firm stands ready to use our extensive FELA and railroad industry knowledge to fight for you at this critical time.
Call us at (464) 250-9272 or connect with us online for your free initial consultation with our Galesburg railroad injury attorney today.