Ballast: Injury to Feet, Ankles, Legs & Spine
All railroads have ballast, a coarse gravel or crushed rock laid to form a bed for railroads. Over the years, there have been differing opinions on what type of ballast to use in yards and railroad locations because of the risk. Workers could fall and suffer injury to feet, ankles, legs, spine and other bodily areas. If you are employed in the railroad industry, the frequency of having to walk on ballast while performing job duties at the same time can greatly increase the likelihood of slipping or tripping on the uneven surface.
Since the ballast rock varies in size, there are different views on what type of ballast would minimize the risk of injury to feet, ankles, leg, spine and other areas. Railroad workers who suffer injuries while at work must file claims under FELA, unlike other industries covered by no-fault workers' compensation laws. Under FELA, railroad workers suffering ballast injuries who are trying to recover damages most prove the injury to feet, ankles, legs, spine or other body parts was caused by the negligence of the railroad or its agents.
Please contact a FELA attorney to learn your legal rights and options regarding a ballast injury.
Learn more about other types of railroad injuries and dangers:
