Railroad Injury Lawyer in Pekin, IL
Protecting Injured Railroad Workers in Tazewell County
Pekin is a vital junction for Central Illinois industry and freight transport. The city's economic health relies heavily on rail carriers like BNSF Railway (BNSF), Canadian National (CN), Norfolk Southern (NS), and the local switching specialist, the Tazewell & Peoria Railroad (TZPR). The continuous movement of trains across the Illinois River and through the regional yards exposes railroad workers to constant and significant danger.
If you are a railroad employee who suffered an injury or developed an illness while on the job in Pekin or elsewhere in Tazewell County, your compensation rights fall under federal statute.
The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC provides unwavering legal proficiency, focusing on representing injured railroad employees under the comprehensive protections of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
Reach our firm online or at (464) 250-9272 to book a free case evaluation with a Pekin railroad injury attorney. We offer office and convenient virtual consultations.
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.
The FELA Mandate: Why Legal Experience Is Essential
Unlike virtually all other Illinois workers, railroaders are barred from collecting state workers' compensation. Instead, FELA is your only remedy, and it requires proving the railroad's fault. This creates a high hurdle that only an experienced FELA attorney can consistently clear.
Establishing Corporate Negligence in Pekin’s Rail Environment
Under FELA, you must demonstrate that the carrier’s negligence, whether slight or substantial, contributed to your injury. This requires in-depth knowledge of local operations and procedures.
Our firm is skilled at uncovering operational failures related to the heavy switching and mainline traffic of BNSF and CN, and challenging the safety protocols across the crucial rail lines serving Pekin's industrial sector. Our goal is to expose employer fault and achieve accountability.
Handling Serious Cases Against Heavy Industry
We Handle Toxic Exposure, Asbestos, and Fela Claims
Our Commitment to Pekin Rail Workers
The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC is prepared to dedicate extensive resources to your case, relying on medical experts and investigative techniques to prove negligence and pursue the compensation you are owed.
We fight to secure full compensation for all damages, including:
- Current and future medical costs, as well as necessary rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
- Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Our firm brings over 20 years of practical experience to your side. Attorney McMahon previously defended large corporations against injury claims in thousands of cases before dedicating his practice to fighting for victims. This in-depth understanding of how these corporations operate gives our clients a crucial advantage.
Hazards & Illnesses Endured by Pekin Rail Employees
Railroad workers in the Pekin area face both immediate physical risks and the threat of long-term occupational diseases.
Toxic Exposure & Occupational Diseases
Rail workers are consistently exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace. Inhaling carcinogenic diesel exhaust fumes in locomotives and engine service areas, alongside exposure to residual asbestos, solvents, and chemicals from industrial commodities, can lead to severe illnesses.
FELA covers these occupational diseases, including various forms of cancer (such as lung, kidney, and bladder), leukemia, and chronic respiratory diseases, which result from a negligent failure to provide a safe work environment.
Repetitive Stress & Cumulative Trauma
The daily grind of rail work often involves strenuous and repetitive movements, as well as prolonged use of vibrating equipment. Tasks like manipulating heavy brake hoses, coupling cars, or operating power tools can result in serious cumulative trauma injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic knee and back disorders, and disc herniation. These are compensable under FELA when the railroad fails to implement necessary ergonomic or job rotation safety measures.
Local Traumatic Risks
The Pekin rail system’s intense freight volume leads to specific accident risks.
- Switching and yard accidents: Injuries from improper handling of cars, inadequate signal communication, or being struck by defective equipment in switching zones.
- Track defects and falls: Slip-and-fall injuries on unmaintained track beds, poorly lit walkways, or surfaces fouled with oil and debris near the industrial lines.
- Crush injuries: Trauma from heavy objects or equipment during loading, unloading, or maintenance around the local yards.
Protecting Your FELA Rights Against Powerful Carriers
Railroad corporations are sophisticated defendants backed by vast legal resources. If you have been injured, you must be cautious: never provide a recorded statement, discuss your accident details, or sign any documents for a railroad claims agent before consulting an independent FELA lawyer.
The three-year statute of limitations governs FELA claims. For an occupational disease or cumulative trauma injury, this crucial deadline begins only when the illness is formally diagnosed, and you are informed it is work-related.
If you are a railroad worker in the Pekin area who has suffered a workplace injury or occupational disease, do not delay in taking legal action. You can learn more about your case and options by consulting our Pekin railroad injury attorney. Let us use our honed skills and knowledge to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Request a free initial consultation with a Pekin railroad injury attorney by contacting us online or at (464) 250-9272 today.