Amtrak
Headquartered in Union Station in Washington, D.C., Amtrak is a government-owned corporation that was established in May 1971 as a passenger train system intended to service the U.S. mainland. Operating about 21,000 miles of track, Amtrak services 46 states and three Canadian provinces. In 2008, Amtrak carried 28.7 million passengers.
Amtrak Employees’ Injuries
Despite its popularity and success, the Amtrak corporation has a dark side, namely when it comes to the injuries and/or deaths its employees have sustained as a result of:
- Collisions and derailments
- Equipment failure and track defects
- Exposure to toxins
- Failure to comply with federal train safety regulations
- Human error
- Lack of safety training, procedures and/or equipment
Those injured while working for Amtrak along with families of deceased Amtrak employees will likely be entitled to seek and recover compensation under the terms of the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). FELA is a law dedicated to protecting the rights of railroad workers who are injured on the job as the result of another party's negligence.
How a FELA Attorney Can Help
Our national FELA law firm offers FREE, no-obligation consultations for injured railroad employees and their families. During the consultation, we will evaluate an injured party's case and, subsequently, offer expert advice regarding how to follow through with the claim (based on the situation, as well as the client's needs and expectations). When an individual secures the services of our professional FELA attorneys, he or she will benefit from:
- Aggressive representation in all upcoming legal proceedings
- Access to experts, such as forensic scientists and engineers, who can verify the clients' claims and strengthen their case when official expert testimony is needed
To recover the maximum amount of compensation for our clients, our FELA lawyers are committed to:
- Compiling all necessary evidence, including police reports and witness statements
- Thoroughly examining Amtrak's arguments to find details that will weaken their case
- Fighting aggressively at every stage of the process
Past FELA Settlements
The amount of money awarded in a particular FELA lawsuit will depend on the nature and severity of the accident and sustained injuries. The more severe the accident and injuries, the higher the compensation will likely be. Here are some recent FELA settlement awards Amtrak has paid out:
- $2.67 million to a conductor who herniated 2 lower back disks and now suffers chronic low back pain
- $1.85 million to a clerk who was assaulted at her work station
- $1.9 million to a family of a railroad employee who was killed during a railroad crossing accident
- $1.54 million to a machinist who fell and sustained severe back trauma
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working for Amtrak or another railroad company, contact our FELA law firm for help.