Dedicated Beaumont Attorneys Guiding You Through Your Railroad Accident Claim
Trains are essential to many industries in southeast Texas. However, their immense size and power mean that when accidents happen, the impact can be truly devastating. If you were in a railroad accident, you might be facing serious, potentially life-changing injuries. As a result, you may also be grappling with overwhelming medical bills and lost wages.
Unfortunately, many railroad accidents are caused by negligence on the part of railroad companies or their employees. While you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses, the process can be challenging. To get a fair outcome, professional legal counsel can be crucial.
Since 1976, our experienced attorneys at Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, L.L.P., have stood up for ordinary people injured due to railroad negligence. We focus on holding responsible parties accountable, and we approach every case with dedication and thorough preparation. You can rely on our decades of experience and unwavering commitment to pursuing justice.
Understanding Liability In Railroad Accidents
Because of the sheer scale of railroad operations and the inherent risks involved, a wide range of accidents can happen on the railroad. This includes:
- Crushing accidents, electrocutions, explosions and fires
- Improper containment of hazardous materials
- Inadequately operated heavy machinery
- Slip-and-fall accidents
Railroad companies and their workers have a responsibility to operate trains with reasonable care, which includes proper maintenance and adequately warning motorists and pedestrians.
When railroad accidents occur due to negligence, the liable parties can be held responsible for a wide range of expenses. These can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and in tragic cases, funeral expenses, and loss of parental or spousal support.
For railroad workers injured on the job, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) allows them to seek damages if they can demonstrate to a court that the railroad’s negligence caused their injuries. However, it’s important to note that if a worker’s own negligence contributed partially to their injury, their FELA claim may be reduced proportionally.
How Can Railroad Accidents Be Avoided?
While railroad accidents can lead to substantial damages, individuals can take important precautions to significantly reduce their risk of injury. These include:
- Always obey barriers, safety signs and warning lights. These are designed to alert you to dangers.
- Look both ways cautiously for an approaching train. Never assume a train isn’t coming just because you can’t hear it; trains can be surprisingly quiet until they’re very close.
- Never walk or run alongside a moving train.
- Exercise extreme caution with children. Never allow children to play near railroad tracks or trains.
Even with the utmost caution, accidents can still occur due to the negligence of others. When that happens, understanding your rights and legal options becomes critical. Our experienced railroad accident attorneys can guide you through the process and advocate for the justice you deserve.
Contact Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, L.L.P., Today
Our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure fair compensation. Call us today at (409) 838-1000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.