Railroad Amputation Lawyer in Chicago

Helping Injured Railroad Workers in Illinois File FELA Claims

The railroad industry in Illinois is notoriously dangerous. Thousands of Chicago-based railroad workers have experienced serious injuries on the job, and one of the most devastating types of injuries is an amputation. If you have been hurt in this manner, a railroad amputation lawyer can help you secure full and fair compensation via the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).

IL Work Injury Lawyer is the legal team you need to increase your chances of winning a claim. Our Chicago FELA attorney team has helped numerous clients hold rail companies and other entities accountable for negligence. We will fight to protect your rights and recover damages, such as lost wages and medical expenses.

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

Railroad injuries can take you into a complex legal landscape, so you need a deeply experienced law firm on your side. IL Work Injury Lawyer maintains a five-star rating from AVVO and an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. 

FELA Injury Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

Our attorneys have handled many cases involving traumatic injuries in the rail industry. Here are some FELA settlements we have secured for our clients:

• $2.8 million – Dennis, 56, worked at a CSX terminal near 59th Street when a co-worker dropped a shipping container on his foot. The injury led to multiple surgeries and forced him into early retirement. Poor visibility, lack of spotters, and pressure to speed up unloading contributed to the outcome.
• $1.9 million – Raymond, a longtime carmat at Union Pacific Proviso Yard, developed serious shoulder and elbow damage from years of repetitive lifting. The railroad failed to rotate duties or provide ergonomic tools. Medical experts linked his injuries to poor workplace practices.
• $1.5 million – Leon, a CTA train operator, fell from a slick, unmarked platform at the Howard yard. He tore his rotator cuff, requiring surgery and permanent work restrictions. Video footage and prior maintenance complaints supported his claim.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Railroad Amputations in Illinois?

Numerous circumstances can cause railroad injuries in Illinois that lead to FELA claims for railroad employees, including:

• A lack of proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) practices
• Poor communication between employees when throwing switches
• Mechanical failures in braking systems
• Inadequate training or supervision
• Train derailments
• Unsafe coupling and uncoupling protocols
• Design defects in railroad tracks
• Malfunctioning heavy machinery

What Are the Most Common Injuries from Railroad Amputation Accidents?

Railroad accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, but amputations can have some of the most devastating consequences for your lifestyle. An amputation may involve the loss of:

• Fingers
• Toes
• Hands
• Arms
• Feet
• Legs
• Partial amputation (some soft tissue remains connected)

What Damages Can Railroad Injury Victims Recover in Illinois?

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses (surgery, rehabilitation, emergency care)
• Future medical treatment costs (prosthetics, home modifications)
• Permanent disability expenses
• Lost earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional Distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Loss of normal life

If you seek compensation under FELA, you can recover full damages with sufficient evidence. 

Where Do Railroad Amputation Injuries Occur Most Often in Illinois?

Some locations are more likely to cause these severe injuries, such as:

• Proviso Yard (UP)
• Cicero Yard (BNSF)
• Chicago Union Station (Amtrak)
• Joliet rail terminals
• Major freight yards downstate

What Is the Time Limit to File an Amputation Injury Claim Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)?

Per 45 U.S.C. § 56, you have three years from the date of the incident to take legal action for a railroad accident. However, if you do not discover your injury until later, the three years begin on the date of discovery.

Note that filing a claim as soon as possible is better because it will be easier to preserve evidence. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Traumatic Injuries Sustained on Illinois Railroads?

Determining the liable party in your case is an important step to recover maximum compensation for your losses. Parties that may be liable for severe injuries to Chicago-based railroad workers include:

• Railroad company
• Manufacturers of freight cars, parts, and heavy equipment (defective brakes, couplers)
• Third-party contractors (cargo loading/unloading)

How to Strengthen Your Railroad Injury Case in Illinois

Preparing for a claim begins the moment the accident occurs, whether it happens when a train derails or a piece of heavy machinery malfunctions. Here are the steps you should follow to build a strong claim in the coming weeks:

• Report the injury immediately to your supervisor
• Document the scene and equipment involved
• Complete an incident report
• Speak to witnesses and record their statements
• Seek emergency medical attention and retain all medical treatment records
• Avoid giving statements without legal advice, especially to insurers
• Consult our top-rated amputation lawyers to understand your options

How an Illinois Railroad Injury Lawyer Can Help

Whether you suffer crush injuries that require surgical amputations or you lose a limb during a railroad accident, you need a qualified attorney to guide you through the claims process. Our team has decades of experience helping injured workers recover the compensation they need to address legal damages, including lost income, future medical care, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. 

Our legal services include:

• Obtaining maintenance logs
• Gathering witness testimony
• Consulting railyard experts
• Assessing OSHA standards
• Negotiating with insurance companies to recover compensation
• Litigating in Cook County Circuit Court and other jurisdictions across Illinois

Book a Free Consultation

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win. If you are a railroad worker who has been seriously injured in an accident, a railroad amputation lawyer can make all the difference in your claim. Contact a Chicago workplace injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.