Railroad Injury Lawyer in Kankakee, IL
Essential Legal Support for Injured Railroad Employees
Kankakee occupies a crucial geographic point on the nation's rail map, serving as a high-traffic regional hub south of Chicago. The city’s rail operations are dominated by major carriers, including Canadian National (CN) and Norfolk Southern (NS), as well as regional lines such as the Kankakee, Beaverville & Southern Railroad (KBSR). This constant flow of heavy freight and switching activity in and around the Kankakee Yard makes rail work inherently dangerous.
If you are a railroad employee injured while on duty in Kankakee County, your right to recovery is governed by a federal law that supersedes state workers' compensation. The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC provides legal representation tailored exclusively for injured rail workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
Request a free case review with a Kankakee railroad injury attorney by contacting us online or at (464) 250-9272. We offer in-office and convenient virtual consultations.
The FELA Difference: Dedicated Advocacy for Kankakee Rail Claims
Because FELA is a fault-based federal system, securing compensation requires proving the railroad employer was negligent. This complexity requires an attorney with distinct proficiency in the rail industry, rather than a general personal injury firm.
Establishing Negligence in Railroad Operations
To succeed in a FELA claim, you must demonstrate that the carrier’s negligence, whether through faulty equipment, poor maintenance, or inadequate safety rules, contributed, even minimally, to your injury. Our firm possesses the detailed knowledge required to investigate and challenge the procedures of CN, NS, and other railroads operating through Kankakee’s busy rail corridors to expose employer fault.
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.
Protecting Your Rights Against Rail Carriers
Railroad companies are sophisticated corporate defendants that will vigorously defend against FELA claims. If you have been injured, you should never provide a recorded statement, discuss the details of your accident, or sign any documents presented by a railroad claims agent without first consulting an independent attorney.
Railroad workers must adhere to the three-year statute of limitations to file a FELA claim. For latent occupational diseases like cancer, this deadline starts on the date you were diagnosed and learned that the illness was work-related.
Our Commitment to Kankakee Rail Workers
The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC is prepared to commit the necessary resources to investigate your injury or illness, leveraging expert testimony and medical evidence to pursue justice on your behalf.
Handling Serious Cases Against Heavy Industry
We Handle Toxic Exposure, Asbestos, and Fela Claims
Hazards & Illnesses for Kankakee Rail Employees
Rail workers in the Kankakee area face both immediate traumatic threats and chronic health risks due to long-term exposure.
Occupational Disease & Toxic Exposure
Rail workers are routinely exposed to toxic substances. This includes inhaling carcinogenic diesel exhaust fumes in and near locomotives and yard areas, as well as exposure to asbestos (historically), solvents, and industrial chemicals.
Such exposures can lead to severe occupational diseases compensable under FELA, including various forms of cancer (such as lung, bladder, and kidney), leukemia, and debilitating respiratory conditions.
Repetitive Stress & Cumulative Trauma
Many essential railroad tasks involve physically demanding, repetitive motions or prolonged vibration. This includes using heavy, vibrating tools, frequent lifting, coupling cars, or working in awkward positions for extended periods of time.
These actions often lead to serious cumulative trauma injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), chronic back and knee problems, and disc herniation. These injuries are compensable under FELA when the railroad negligently fails to provide adequate rotation, proper tools, or ergonomic safety measures.
Local Traumatic Risks
The Kankakee rail hub’s high volume of traffic leads to specific on-the-job risks, including the following.
- Switching accidents - Injuries sustained due to cars being left in the foul of adjacent tracks, inadequate communication during shoving movements, or defective coupling mechanisms.
- Yard and track injuries - Slip and falls on uneven ballast, poorly lit walkways, or surfaces contaminated with oil, ice, or debris near tracks and crossing points.
- Crush and impact injuries - Trauma from being struck by equipment or heavy objects within the Kankakee Yard during loading, unloading, or maintenance.
Discuss Your Case with Our Kankakee Railroad Injury Attorney
Our firm puts over 20 years of practical experience to work for you. Attorney McMahon defended corporations against injury claims in thousands of cases before switching sides to fight for victims.
He has extensive experience in the railroad industry and civil litigation. His in-depth understanding of how these corporations operate to minimize liability in claims provides our clients with a unique advantage. Let us use our honed skills and knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (464) 250-9272 or reach out online to request your free initial consultation today.