Railroad Workplace Injuries

Railroad Workplace Injuries Lawyer in Chicago

Railroad workers face unique dangers every day, from the heavy machinery and high-speed operations to the toxic exposures embedded in the rail environment. When an injury or occupational illness occurs, the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) is the primary law that can secure full and necessary compensation.

At The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC, we recognize the significant risks inherent in every railroad trade. We utilize our extensive litigation experience to prove the railroad's negligence, thereby pursuing the financial support to which workers are entitled under FELA.

We offer free case reviews with a Chicago railroad workplace injury attorney. Call us at (464) 250-9272 or connect with us online for an office or virtual consultation.

Why Injured Railroad Workers Need Skilled Legal Help

Unlike a typical workers' compensation claim, a FELA claim requires you to prove that the railroad's negligence contributed to your injury or illness. Railroad companies have vast resources dedicated to denying or minimizing these claims. You need a dedicated FELA attorney to counter their tactics and secure your rightful compensation effectively.

The Challenge of Toxic Exposure & Occupational Cancer

Many railroad employees are exposed to hazardous substances that lead to devastating, long-latency diseases like cancer. These cases are particularly complex.

Identifying the toxic source: We must meticulously investigate your specific job duties to link your diagnosis to the toxic substances you were exposed to (such as diesel exhaust, asbestos, benzene, silica dust, creosote).
Proving negligence: We hold the railroad accountable for failing to provide proper protective equipment, inadequate ventilation, or failing to warn you about known carcinogens in the workplace.
Fighting the defense: The railroad will argue that the cause of your cancer is unknown or related to non-work factors. Our firm uses medical and industrial hygiene experts to establish the causation required under FELA.

Toxic Exposure Risks by Railroad Trade

The high risk of railroad workers developing cancer and other occupational diseases is often tied to the specific hazardous substances present in different rail trades.

Locomotive Engineers and Conductors:

Risk - High levels of inhalation of diesel exhaust within the confined cabin, containing carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde.

Track Repair and Maintenance Crews:

Risk - Exposure to silica dust from track cutting and railway ballast, and creosote from treated wooden ties.

Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators:

Risk - Exposure to asbestos in older brake pads and electrical components, and silica dust during maintenance.

Freight Car and Locomotive Repair Workers:

Risk - Exposure to asbestos insulation in older cars, plus solvents and heavy metals.

Yard Workers and Switch Crews:

Risk - Significant exposure to diesel exhaust and solvents such as benzene present in fuels and cleaning agents.

Welders and Metalworkers:

Risk - Exposure to toxic fumes, including manganese, cadmium, and nickel compounds, released during welding.

Common Injuries Leading to a FELA Claim

Beyond occupational diseases, many railroad workers suffer immediate, traumatic injuries due to the inherent dangers of the job, which can also be the basis for a FELA claim if negligence is proven.

A FELA claim may be filed for a wide variety of injuries, including:

Traumatic Injuries

Broken bones, fractures, and severe lacerations from slips, trips, or falls.
Crush injuries from machinery, couplers, or heavy freight.
Head, neck, and spinal cord injuries resulting from derailments or sudden impacts.
Amputations due to equipment malfunction or unsafe track conditions.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Carpal tunnel syndrome from repeated use of tools or constant vibration.
Herniated discs and back injuries from manual lifting and prolonged vibrations in locomotives.
Knee and shoulder injuries requiring surgery due to cumulative strain.

Occupational Exposure Injuries

Hearing loss or tinnitus due to excessive and sustained noise exposure.
Eye injuries and vision loss from chemical exposure or debris.

Occupational Illnesses (Cancers)

Mesothelioma, lung cancer, leukemia, and bladder cancer linked to exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust, benzene, or other toxins.

Call Us Today

If you have been injured or diagnosed with a severe illness while working for the railroad, you have a right to seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, pain, and suffering.

Our firm has the experience, including decades on both sides of the courtroom, to skillfully fight the railroad in a FELA claim.

Contact us today at (464) 250-9272 for a complimentary consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options with our Chicago railroad workplace injury attorney.

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Why Choose The Law Office of Gregory M. McMahon LLC?

Proven Experience
With 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.
Client-Focused Care
Clients 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.

Relentless Advocacy
Gregory 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.
Insider Advantage
With 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.