Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railway

Established in 1887, Kansas City Southern (KCS) Railway is the second oldest Class 1 railroad system operating in the U.S. Currently, KCS services ten central U.S. states and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. KCS Railway also has tracks in Mexico, making it the only railroad company to own tracks in both of these countries. Though small, Kansas City Southern Railway generated around $1.7 billion in 2008.

KCS Railway has been awarded the E.H. Harriman Award for its safety procedures and record. The E.H. Harriman Award is a prestigious distinction that, since 1913, has been awarded to American railroad companies who have exhibited superior safety management and, as a result, have minimal, if any, employee injuries or deaths.

Dangers of Working for KCS

Regardless of this distinction and its reputation, however, the Kansas City Southern Railway – like any other railroad company – does put its workers at risk of developing serious injuries while working. From exposure to toxins and heavy cargo loads to human error and equipment malfunction, the railroad industry is known to endanger its employees more than many other industries.

In 1908, Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) to specifically protect the rights of railroad workers who are injured on the job. If you or a loved one has been injured while working for Kansas City Southern Railway, contact Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., to schedule a free initial consult with a highly skilled FELA lawyer to learn more about your legal rights.

Who's Eligible for FELA Settlements?

Anyone who works for a railroad company and can prove that another entity's negligence contributed to their injuries will likely be entitled to a FELA settlement. FELA lawsuits can be started by:

  • Brakemen
  • Cargo handlers
  • Conductors
  • Engineers
  • Machinists and repairmen
  • Signal and switch operators
  • Train car attendants
  • Yardmasters

Common Types of Railroad Injuries

Railroad injuries vary in severity, depending on the nature of the accident they endure. Common injuries sustained as a result of railroad accidents include:

  • Bone fractures
  • Burns
  • Disfigurement
  • Electrocution
  • Loss of limb
  • Loss of vision and/or hearing
  • Permanent disability
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Death

Given the severity of such railroad injuries, it's vital that injured employees seek emergency medical attention to prevent potentially fatal complications. In most cases, the effects of severe railroad injuries will be irreversible and will cause permanent disability.

Obtaining a FELA Settlement

Prospective plaintiffs can find out more about their legal rights by consulting one of our national FELA attorneys. During a free evaluation, we will:

  • Explain your rights according to FELA
  • Thoroughly examine your case
  • Help you develop a strong legal strategy based on the specifics of your individual case

For more information about your legal rights and options, please contact a FELA attorney at Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. today.