According to Federal Railroad Administration statistics, close to 1000 people are killed every year in railroad accidents and many thousands more are severely injured. Every 90 minutes, a train accident occurs somewhere in this country, and every two weeks, a train carrying hazardous materials runs off the tracks and spills its load.
"When a train and car collide, the car always loses. Railroads are responsible for maintaining these crossings and when they are not properly maintained, accidents will happen."
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Very often the railroad is responsible for these tragedies because they fail to properly maintain the tracks or provide adequate warning of an approaching train. In many rural areas, railroads do not install gates or warning lights and fail to cut back vegetation that blocks a driver's view of potential oncoming trains. Litigating against railroad companies can be very complex due to the many regulations governing their operation and maintenance.
The attorneys of Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman have experience in both railroad crossing accidents and train derailments. Most recently, RPWB has been appointed co-lead counsel in the consolidated cases arising from the Graniteville, South Carolina train derailment and chemical spill.
Federal law also allows injured railroad employees to bring claims in court against their railroad employers if their injuries result from their employment. RPWB attorneys are experienced in the handling of Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) claims on behalf of seriously injured railroad employees injured on the job or who develop disease because of exposures on the job.
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contact us if you have any questions or want to inquire about representation from an attorney.
