Every year, more than 1,000 train derailments occur in the United States. When a train derails, the consequences can be disastrous. Scores of passengers, crew, and bystanders could be hurt or killed. If the train carries toxic substances or if the accident causes a fire, multitudes of people who live nearby will be at risk and may be forced to evacuate. A Philadelphia Train Accident attorney will definitely be needed by victims of these types of accidents.
When an accident is caused by a person’s or a company’s negligence, the victims as well as their families may be eligible for substantial compensation. If you or a loved one was injured in a train accident, the Philadelphia Train Accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore invite you to contact them for a free consultation.
With over two decades of legal practice servicing clients in the Philadelphia area, a train accident attorney from The Law Office of Eric A. Shore is truly one to trust in this trying time. Our attorney can help you throughout the entire process and deliver results that are best suited for your situation. From representing you in court to performing negotiations with insurance companies, this Philadelphia train accident attorney is one to have in your corner. Schedule an appointment right now.
Why Do I Need a Philadelphia Train Accident Attorney?
You have the right to seek legal redress for your losses from the responsible party if you have been hurt as a result of another person’s carelessness. Train accidents caused by negligence can result in a variety of personal injuries including traffic accidents, slip-and-fall accidents on the property of another person, motorcycle accidents, car accidents, and more. Of course, personal injury law can be difficult for you to understand, which is why having a personal injury lawyer by your side is essential.
The Law Office of Eric A. Shore boasts two decades of legal practice, guiding Philadelphia clients throughout their ordeal and helping them get maximum compensation for the injuries sustained in the train accident. Among other things an attorney can help you with include:
- Work side by side with you in your case and sticking with you through it all. Working with insurance firms directly can be detrimental to your case as they can use your words against you. An attorney can perform the necessary negotiations to help avoid you settling for less.
- Knowledge in state law. State-specific statutes govern personal injury lawsuits and insurance policies. You must be aware of the laws that support your claims if you want to pursue a personal injury case. You need an attorney who knows Pennsylvania personal injury law and how it applies to your case if you live in Pennsylvania.
- Help you calculate your compensation. There is more to calculating damages than just adding up medical bills. Our attorney considers income lost, future losses, suffering, and other things. Many people underestimate their ability to get financial compensation, which results in a low settlement and increased out-of-pocket costs in the future.
A personal injury attorney from The Law Office of Eric A. Shore is always ready to answer to all your concerns and provide you with sound legal advice that you would need in this case. You’ll never walk alone with our Philadelphia train accident lawyer. Schedule an appointment right now.
What Are Train Accidents?
A train accident is one of the most disastrous events that can happen. A train crash can cause a significant amount of property damage and injure dozens or even hundreds of people. There are times when the damages amount to a considerable number of dollars, if not a limitless sum. You or your “next-of-kin” can sue a railroad company for damages or wrongful death if they were at fault for an accident that injured you or killed them.
If you have been a victim of a train accident in Philadelphia, look no further than The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore for an attorney who can help you go through your case. Our experienced attorney will guide you through the process to ensure you get the best outcome possible.
How Do Train Accident Lawsuits Progress?
Similar to other claims for personal injury or wrongful death, train accident lawsuits may involve significantly more injured parties than most other types of personal injury suits.
A claim starts when a complaint is filed in court over the mishap. The insurers of the transportation company and the train company (such as Amtrak train) respond with any defenses they may have. During a “discovery” period, the parties exchange evidence with hearings and motions to follow, which are usually about facts, evidence, and preliminary issues.
The right to appeal a court’s decision is one reason settlement negotiations can happen after a judgment is handed down. In exchange for the other party agreeing not to appeal, either party may seek a settlement following a judgment.
What is the Pennsylvanie Law for Train Accidents and Train Injuries?
According to Pennsylvania law, anyone who plays a role in a train accident that injured you can be held financially accountable. That is to say, you have the right to sue for damages against anybody whose carelessness or negligence contributed to your injury. This could include:
- Train employers and companies
- Transit agencies
- Train operator
- Companies that manufacture trains and safety equipment
- Government bodies or private firms in charge of track repair and maintenance or
- Negligent third parties, such as car drivers, bikers, or trespassers (pedestrians).
Accidents are seldom caused by a single factor. That is why it is critical to carefully examine your railway accident. At the Law Offices of Eric A. Shore, we’ll work hard to determine what caused your accident and who is to blame. We may then claim damages from anyone who is to blame for your injury.
What Are Train Accident Policies for Railroad Workers?
Almost all Pennsylvania private sector employees who sustain injuries on the job are protected under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. If a private employee is injured while working or acquires an occupational sickness, they are normally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to pay for the costs of their injury. On the other hand, railroad employees are not protected by the Act. Instead, they are protected under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) of 1908.
Workers’ Compensation vs. FELA
FELA is unlike state workers’ compensation in that it requires railroad employees to prove that the negligence of their employer was, at least, partly to blame. To put it another way, unlike the state workers’ compensation system, FELA claims are centered on negligence. This makes winning on FELA claims more difficult than on state workers’ compensation claims. The Law Offices of Eric A. Shore’s work injury attorneys are adept in handling FELA lawsuits and fighting to secure compensation for employees injured in railroad accidents.
Employer Responsibilities Under the FELA
Employers are obligated under FELA to provide railroad employees with a safe working environment, proper tools, and equipment, as well as adequate training. Employers must also follow and implement the rules and regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Failure to carry out these duties or comply with other federal requirements may expose railroad employers to liability for any accidents that occur as a consequence of their negligence.
Call our Philadelphia Train Accident Attorneys Now!
Trains exist for the public’s benefit. They are an integral part of the city’s transportation as they help make commuting a much easier task, taking people from one point to another without much hassle. Just like cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, trains are not exempted from getting derailed, injuring, or killing those on board.
If you or a loved one have been in a train accident due to someone else’s negligence in the Philadelphia area, it is best to get in touch with a Philadelphia train accident lawyer from The Law Office of Eric A. Shore. An attorney can walk you through the entire process. Schedule an appointment right now.
