Attorneys For Railroad Workers Suffering Vibration And Repetitive Stress Injuries
Not every injury suffered by railroad workers is the result of a single accident or event. Some injuries and medical conditions develop over time, but can be just as painful and debilitating, even resulting in permanent disability benefits claims through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whole body vibration injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Rotator cuff separation
- Pulled, strained and sprained muscles
- Tendonitis, joint and ligament damage
- Pinched nerve injuries
Railroad employees do not qualify for injury benefits under a workers’ compensation insurance program. Injured railroaders can only recover compensation for on-the-job injuries or conditions by suing their employer under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Like any employer, though, railroads will aggressively defend themselves from such lawsuits. “Let us make this perfectly clear: It is not part of a railroad worker’s job description to work in pain every day.” Attorney Victor Russo
Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP, in Oakland and Los Angeles, California, is recognized as one of the preeminent FELA litigation firms in the nation. For more than 90 years, injured railroaders and their families have been counting on our lawyers for aggressive, effective representation to help them recover the financial compensation they need for themselves and their families.
Musculoskeletal Disorder Known As Whole Body Vibration (WBV)
The human body simply wasn’t designed to withstand cumulative vibrations and jolts. After years spent standing or sitting in a powerful locomotive, bouncing and swaying over long miles of track, muscles begin to break down, ligaments tear and joints begin to separate. WBV injures — often referred to as cumulative trauma or repetitive stress injuries — are common, painful and can result in permanent disability.
Railroads Have Known About WBV For Years, But Still Deny It
The first in-depth report about cumulative trauma resulting in WBV injures was conducted in 1972 and concluded that locomotive seating should be improved. In 1980, a study sponsored by the Association of American Railroads recommended further improvements due to an increased reporting of lower back and buttocks injuries among engineers. In 1998, a definitive study conducted by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) concluded that improper seating in the cab is one of “the most thoroughly documented” problems associated with railroad worker injuries.
Musculoskeletal Injuries To Ankles, Knees, Hips And Backs
Injuries due to footing conditions are common. Many railroad employees suffer discrete injuries to their ankles, knees, backs, hips and shoulders as a consequence of repetitive trauma due to improperly maintained working conditions. Although these cases can be very difficult to prove, the attorneys at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP carefully screen such cases and, in some situations, represent those who have suffered serious injury to the joints.
When To Report A Cumulative Trauma Injury
Unaware of the causes of WBV, many railroad workers don’t associate their pain, immobility and musculoskeletal injuries for many months or even years after the first symptoms become evident. If you are starting to feel general pain or have suffered very real injuries to a muscle or joint area, it may be associated with your work in the cab. Don’t wait to see if the pain will go away. Your job does not include suffering debilitating pain from WBV injuries.
Contact Us To Discuss Your Cumulative Stress Injuries
Call us at 800-447-7500 or send an email with a brief description of your symptoms and conditions of your railroad employment. We will return your call or message to schedule a free case evaluation as soon as possible. We handle all FELA railroad injury and FRB disability claims on a contingency fee basis.