Cases We Handle

Workers in the railroad industry are protected under specific legislation...

That recognizes their unique contribution to the economy and the special risks involved in railroad work.

That law, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), was passed in 1908 and considered by some to be the country’s first major social legislation. While FELA did much to improve safety for workers, railroads still developed policies to discourage claims, such as firing workers who reported injuries regardless of their own negligence. In 2008, Congress amended the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA) to include a Whistleblower provision to curb these practices.

The Darby Law Group’s extensive experience and focus on railroad litigation makes the team uniquely aware of railroads’ strategies to defeat claims. Helping counter those strategies are five veteran railroad workers who serve as Field Representatives conveniently located to visit clients and investigate claims immediately.

If you are in need of legal assistance for any of the following matters, be sure to get in touch with us.

Traumatic Injuries (FELA)

Railroad employee injuries occur often and are frequently catastrophic. Recovery for injuries sustained by railroad workers is the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). To win the case, we must prove that the railroad was at fault in causing the injury. Other Federal laws, such as the Federal Safety Appliance Act (FSAA) and the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA) or other regulations may be involved.

Cumulative Traumatic Injuries (FELA)

After many years of railroad work, most employees suffer from some form of an orthopedic injury. These injuries include osteoarthritis of the knees, back and neck, shoulders, etc. It is difficult to find an experienced railroad worker who has not had at least one surgery or significant time off from work due to an orthopedic condition. These injuries are often avoidable if the railroad had employed simple ergonomic principles. These “occupational” cases can be pursued under the Federal Employers Liability Act.

Railroad Whistleblower Claims (FRSA)

Railroad employees have long recognized that their employers have a well-established culture of harassment and intimidation with regard to the reporting of work related injuries and safety issues in general. At long last, there is now protection for employees who report injuries or unsafe conditions.

Conductor & Engineer Certification

Railroad engineers and conductors are required to be certified under federal law. The certification procedures are administered by the employing railroad. Unfortunately, railroads often fail to employ the proper certification procedures. This results in engineers and conductors who are incorrectly denied recertification. Thus, they are denied the opportunity to continue working in their craft and lose significant wages and benefits.

Legal Mobile App For Railroad Workers

Mr. Darby’s mobile app contains important legal information critical to Railroad Workers, an updated blog feed, a direct contact feature and much more. Now Railroad Workers can keep Matt right in their pocket and share with others that may need his services. Download Matt Darby’s mobile app and feel protected knowing he is just a click away.