Burn Injuries
Burn injuries can occur in multiple jobsites for a railroad employee. Some of the work involved in servicing a diesel locomotive takes place while the engine is running. Trackmen, Carmen, Brakemen, Engineers and conductors have been badly burned in various ways while working. One example is when an engine coolant hose has burst or is improperly connected. Diesel engines are designed to run hot.
Burn injuries accompany work around vehicles with internal combustion engines, but in the repair shops employees at least have an idea of what surfaces may be hot. Electrical burns are also a real potential hazard, as one Amtrak electrician learned when he was repairing an electrical receptacle and another employee switched on the train’s power, rated at a powerful 480 volts.
Medical Issues for Burn Injuries
Severe burn injuries may require plastic surgery and extended periods of recovery time. A railroad employee who has suffered a burn injury is going to be pressed by Claims' Agents to sign a settlement agreement. Burn victims who are railroad employees should avoid signing anything other than an injury report without first consulting Gordon & Elias.
Legal Rights for Railroad Employees
Due to a unique, century old law called the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) railroad employees have the right to sue their employers for negligence when injured on the job. Other workers who have regular workers compensation don’t have that right. Because of FELA law, railroads solicit quick settlements with workers before they understand their full rights under the law.
An experienced FELA attorney can assist a railroad employee who suffers burns on the job. The attorney’s job is two-fold; (1) to ensure that the railroad allows sufficient time for treatment, therapy and recovery, and (2) to advise the burn victim on the likelihood of a negligence suit success against the railroad. Burns take a long time to heal; depending on the severity of the burn and its location the injury may alter the worker’s ability to perform the same job that preceded the burn accident.
Railroad employees that are burned on the job should seek immediate medical attention; often what seems to be a first degree burn develops into something worse and exposes the employee to infection. Along with medical advice the worker should also seek out legal expertise from a FELA attorney. For more information, contact Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. we are a law firm that practices FELA railroad injury law nationwide. It is not designated by any specific Union and that is just fine with them. Their goal is to provide excellent representation; only utilize Board Certified Physicians in the medical treatment of their clients; get statements from witnesses and photographs as soon as hired; advance funds, interest free and where ethically permitted, to their clients so they can pay their bills while off of work; and, most importantly, treat their clients like family and with the respect, honor and dignity that they deserve. Call 800-773-6770 to speak to a REAL FELA attorney.
