Compensation for Workers Injured in Accidents on Railyards

FELA Claims for Railyard Accidents in Illinois

Working with heavy machinery, locomotives, and complex technologies related to railroads can lead to injuries or even fatalities in Illinois. When accidents on railyards occur, victims can seek financial compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.

IL Work Injury Lawyer is a Chicago-based firm specializing in workplace injuries and fatalities. Our team has decades of experience helping injured railroad workers recover damages. We know what it takes to hold railroads accountable. 

Railyard Incident Settlements Recovered by Our Chicago-Based Law Firm

If you want to navigate this federal law to obtain compensation successfully, you need a team with experience filing claims against railroads:

• $7.2 million – Marco, 38, was performing a routine inspection at the BNSF Cicero Yard when he was struck and killed by a truck that had entered the yard without clearance. The driver was not following established protocols, and the incident was captured on surveillance footage. The settlement reflected serious safety lapses and the long-term loss to Marco’s family.
• $1.9 million – Lamar, a veteran rail mechanic at Union Pacific’s Proviso Yard, sustained long-term shoulder and elbow damage after years of repetitive lifting. Despite repeated complaints, no ergonomic adjustments were made. Medical experts directly tied the injuries to unsafe work practices, leading to a strong pre-trial settlement.
• $945,670 – Eli, a Metra maintenance worker, developed chronic shoulder injuries after years of overhead work. He was never provided with mechanized tools, and his complaints of pain were ignored. His condition required surgery and forced him into a different line of work.

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

Our top-rated firm in Chicago has a strong track record of success for claims involving railroads. Some of our attorneys are contributing authors for the National Law Review, while the firm maintains an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau. 

Types of Railroad Incident Cases We Handle

Whether you work directly with locomotives or not, IL Work Injury Lawyer can help with your case. Here are some common incidents that lead to railroad worker injuries and fatalities:

• Slips, trips, and falls in slippery conditions
• Collisions between locomotives and yard vehicles
• Crush injuries when coupling/uncoupling
• Electrocution or burns from equipment failures
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Overexertion

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

Many incidents that involve train cars, heavy equipment, and other railroad elements are entirely preventable, including:

• Poor maintenance of walking surfaces
• Inadequate lighting or visibility
• Defective rail equipment or locomotives
• Unsafe switching operations for locomotives
• Lack of adequate training or safety protocols

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Railyard Incidents?

Railroads can cause a wide range of serious injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed body parts
• Spinal cord damage
• Toxic exposure
• Burns
• Repetitive stress injuries

What Damages Can Railroad Victims Recover in Illinois?

If you get hurt in a railroad job due to negligence, you can seek compensation for numerous legal damages. These damages are uncapped under FELA if you can provide sufficient evidence.

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Rehabilitation costs
• Funeral expenses (for worker fatalities)

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Loss of normal life

What Is the Average Railyard Accident Settlement in Illinois?

Multiple factors will affect your railroad payout, including injury severity, impact on income, evidence of negligence, and insurance policies. For example, in 2000, Randall was disentangling a hot air balloon from power lines in a railyard. He was yanked out of the bucket when a wire he was holding suddenly sprang up, causing delayed back pain. Randall sued Union Pacific Railroad for rushing him into this job that should have involved specialists and better equipment. He was awarded $1.83 million, primarily from Union Pacific Railroad. 

Why You Need an Illinois Railroad Incident Lawyer

Holding railroads accountable can be a tall task. For FELA claims, you must prove negligence to recover compensation. Additionally, these cases often involve large railroad corporations, such as BNSF Railway or Belt Railway Company of Chicago. If you hope to receive a fair settlement or navigate the litigation process in Cook County Circuit Court, IL Work Injury Lawyer will level the playing field against well-funded railroads. 

How Common Are Railroad Incidents?

Railroads across the country can be dangerous for multiple reasons, especially when derailments occur. The Federal Railroad Administration listed 793 Class I train derailments in 2024. Railroad accident statistics reveal that 74% of these railroad incidents occurred in railyards around the country, while the remainder happened on mainline tracks. 

Where Do Railroad Incidents Occur Most Often in Illinois?

Here are some of the most dangerous locations in Illinois for railroad workers:

• Uneven terrain at Proviso Yard (UP)
• Diesel exhaust exposure at Cicero Yard (BNSF)
• Failed remote control systems at Markham Yard (CN)
• Complex switching operations at Joliet Yard (CSX)
• Tight quarters between cars at Clearing Yard (Belt Railway of Chicago)

What Is the Time Limit to File a Claim Following a Railroad Incident in Illinois?

Under the FELA statute of limitations 45 U.S.C. § 56, workers in the railroad industry have three years to file their claims, from the date of the incident or the date of discovery.

Who Is Legally Liable for Railroad Accidents in Illinois?

Multiple parties may be liable for a railroad incident, including:

• Railroad employer under FELA
• Third-party contractors
• Equipment manufacturers for defective machinery

Common Defenses in Illinois Railyard Cases

The defendant’s lawyers will use multiple tactics to undermine your claim, such as:

• Comparative negligence
• No employer negligence
• Pre-existing injury defense

Our firm can counter these arguments by securing maintenance logs, witness statements, incident records, and surveillance footage. 

How to Strengthen Your Railyard Case in Illinois

If you want to build a strong claim against the railroad employer, you must follow these steps immediately after the incident:

• Report the incident
• Get prompt medical treatment
• Take photos of the scene
• Preserve defective equipment for inspection
• Contact our firm before speaking with railroad claim adjusters

How We Can Help

Our legal services include:

• Investigating incident scenes and equipment
• Gathering OSHA reports
• Consulting with engineering and safety experts
• Calculating full damages
• Negotiating and litigating for maximum recovery

FAQs

How much does a railyard incident lawyer cost?

At IL Work Injury Lawyer, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win. 

Are railroad incidents covered under FELA?

Yes, incidents involving railroads are covered by this federal law and allow lawsuits against negligent employers. 

What if I’m injured in a railyard but not on a train?

You can still file a FELA claim even if train cars are not involved, such as power line issues, loading cargo, or operating heavy machinery. 

Can I file a claim if I was partly at fault?

Under comparative negligence in Illinois, you can still seek damages as long as you are no more than 50% responsible for the incident, though your potential settlement will be lowered. 

Seek Expert Legal Counsel

Expert lawyers can secure a fair settlement for your railroad injuries. With a contingency fee agreement and a free consultation, there is no cost to work with the IL Work Injury Lawyer team. Contact a Chicago-based workplace accident lawyer today to schedule your free case evaluation.