In 1827, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad became the first railway in the United States chartered to transport passengers and freight. Freight trains were frequently used by the coal and steel industries and were one of the main economic growth drivers for Western Pennsylvania. They are still in use today, though you may not think about them on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, the country’s railway infrastructure has not been well-maintained, and the government has been slow to adopt technological advancements that could make trains and railroad crossings safer.
Do you know where to turn if you or a loved one have been injured in a train accident?
When you need a Pittsburgh train accident attorney, the experienced team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman will be at your side, working to secure the compensation you need.
LIABILITY FOR PITTSBURGH TRAIN INJURIES – WHAT CAN HAPPEN?
You may not realize just how many miles of train tracks cover the state of Pennsylvania. Freight trains still move goods in and out of Pittsburgh and across the state. We also have plenty of passenger train options, including light rail, Amtrak, and subway trains.
When there is an accident involving a train, the results can be devastating for passengers and people around the train. Injuries can be severe because of the sheer weight of the vehicle. If a derailment occurs, it can cause a mass casualty event.
Many trains carry hazardous materials that could be released in the event of an accident. The derailment of a train carrying toxic substances can harm a very large area and thousands of people.
According to the Federal Railroad Administration, in 2017 there were nearly 12,000 total train incidents. As a result of these incidents, there were over 800 fatalities and nearly 9,000 injuries.
Train operators often fail to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. This can lead to major problems if a part of the train fails. Companies also need to ensure that all tracks are inspected regularly, and that lights, signals, and railroad crossing warnings are functioning properly.
All train operators need to obtain proper certifications and be trained in each vehicle they will be asked to use. They should never operate while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This would put the lives of passengers and anyone near the train in jeopardy.
MOST COMMON TRAIN INJURIES AND PITTSBURGH
Injuries that occur on or around trains in the Pittsburgh area are often severe. Because these injuries can happen in a variety of ways (ranging from slip and fall incidents to full-fledged train crashes), it is not uncommon to also see a wide range of injuries. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our lawyers are regularly able to help clients who have sustained the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Open head wounds
- Concussions
- Spinal cord injuries
- Other severe neck or back injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Severe lacerations or puncture wounds
- Severe sprains or strains
- Broken or dislocated bones
- Crush injuries or amputations
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Death
It is also important to note that train injury victims may also suffer from significant emotional and psychological trauma. These injuries occur due to the accident, as well as the subsequent injuries and recovery. While emotional and psychological injuries may not be as visible as the traumatic injuries mentioned above, they can still significantly affect a person’s ability to work and live their everyday lives.
HOW MUCH COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE TO TRAIN INJURY VICTIMS IN PITTSBURGH?
Victims of train accidents in and around the Pittsburgh area may be entitled to various types of compensation for their losses. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, our personal injury lawyers regularly help clients recover the following:
- Compensation for all medical bills related to the train injury
- Lost income if a victim is unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Any household out-of-pocket expenses
- Possible punitive damages against a train owner or operator
There is no way to definitively say how much compensation you will receive without first conducting a complete investigation into your case. The total amount of compensation awarded in a Pittsburgh train accident case will vary depending on the circumstances related to each particular incident. This includes the severity of the injuries, the egregiousness of the conduct of the train owner or operator, the level of a victim’s pain and suffering, and more.
HOW LONG DO TRAIN INJURY VICTIMS IN PITTSBURGH HAVE TO FILE LAWSUITS?
Victims of train accidents need to be aware that they have a limited amount of time to file lawsuits in these cases. The Pennsylvania personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date an injury occurs. This means that Pittsburgh train injury victims have a two-year window with which to file a lawsuit against the alleged negligent party. If they fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, they will lose the ability to recover the compensation they are entitled to. Federal law may also control your ability to make a claim for a train injury.
CONTACT OUR PITTSBURGH TRAIN INJURY ATTORNEYS FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
We know that the last thing you expect to happen when you use public transportation is to get hurt. We know that accidents happen sometimes, but we also know that other people’s negligence can contribute to those accidents. When that happens, you can count on Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman to get the compensation you need for all of your accident-related expenses. We want to make sure you do not have to worry about how to pay your bills when someone else causes you harm. When you need a Pittsburgh bus, train, or Metrolink accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling (412) 391-7610.
