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Eckman, Strandness & Egan has successfully represented injured railroaders with
the
experience, compassion, and professionalism they deserve. Here are some examples
of our
many success stories. Contact us if you or
someone you love has been injured while on the job as a railroad employee.
We have the experience and talents to handle your case as well.
NEWFOUND HOPE IN NEW JERSEY
A veteran New Jersey railroad employee was climbing a car's ladder when an
engineer began
connecting engines to that same line of cars. The force of impact threw the
employee from
the ladder and under the moving train. He was dragged 35 feet, severing both
legs and an
arm.
Through depositions and computer simulations, Eckman, Strandness & Egan
convincingly proved
the railroad was negligent. The jury verdict was $6.5 million. While this
monetary award
could never replace our client's lost limbs, it could help make life more
comfortable for
him and his family.
A SURGERY CHALLENGED
An Illinois railroad employee was using an under cutter machine to slice and
clear beneath
the tracks. The device struck an underground structure, lurched violently, and
threw the
employee against the machine. The railroader was plagued with excruciating
headaches and
ongoing neck pain. Medical tests revealed a herniated disc in his neck, for
which a
physician recommended surgery. Unfortunately, the operation did not relieve the
employee's
neck pain, and he was unable to continue working for the railroad.
The railroad denied any liability and also challenged the injuries and the
railroader's need
for surgery. Eckman, Strandness & Egan took the case to trial in a Chicago
federal court.
The jury quickly returned a $900,000 verdict, allowing payment of all our
client's medical
bills, plus a generous lifetime annuity as he embarked on a new career.
PROVING POSTTRAUMATIC PAIN SYNDROME
A railroad employee was changing a heavy center plate when he suffered a spiral
leg
fracture. The bone healed, but the chronic pain persisted. Doctors diagnosed a
rare form
of posttraumatic pain syndrome.
To prove the railroad was liable, Eckman, Strandness & Egan enlisted the
expertise of an
ergonomics professor, who concluded the "routine" plate-changing procedure was,
in fact,
extremely dangerous and exceeded government lifting guidelines by 300%. We also
documented
that our client would be unable to pursue any future occupation that could
approach his
earnings at the time of the accident. After extensive negotiations, the case was
settled
for $482,000.
THE RUNAWAY TRAIN
Two car-repair workers in a St. Paul railroad yard office were preparing to
begin their
shift when a runaway freight train ran down a hill, crossed off its line, and
slammed into a
standing train. A second trail then derailed and careened into the office. While
the
building was demolished, both workers escaped with only minor physical injuries.
However,
their emotional and psychological injuries were so extensive that one employee
was unable to
resume her railroad career.
Through relentless investigation, Eckman, Strandness & Egan was able to uncover
the true
cause and defect behind the runaway train. Both clients received generous
settlements to
help them not only face, but also enjoy, their futures.
ASTHMA AGGRAVATION
A track foreman had suffered from asthma since childhood. The railroad company
was aware of
his condition; however, it continued to assign him to a terminal with known high
levels of
airborne grain and taconite particles. This exposure ultimately worsened his
condition and
made it impossible to continue his railroad career.
Eckman, Strandness & Egan was able to prove the railroad was negligent in not
providing a
safe working environment for its employee. The jury, after determining the
railroad was 75%
at fault, awarded $630,000 to our client for past and future lost wages, plus
pain,
suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
A RAILROAD INJURY ON THE ROADWAY
A railroad maintenance foreman had parked his truck along a Minnesota highway.
As he was
climbing out to give his nearby track crew instructions, a large lumber truck
rear-ended and
sideswiped his vehicle. Although the railroader was able to dive back into his
truck before being struck, he still sustained multiple injuries. His lower back
injuries ultimately prevented him from returning to work.
On behalf of the injured railroader and is wife, Eckman, Strandness & Egan
aggressively pursued all remedies available. We successfully recovered $235,000
under both FELA and Minnesota law, including the No-Fault Act and underinsured
motorist benefits.
REPAIRING WRONGS TO A MACHINIST
A railroad machinist suffered carpal tunnel injuries while using the railroad's
old, heavy, and worn-out power tools. After having surgery on both wrists, the
railroad returned him to the same type of work, despite restrictions imposed by
his doctors. He then developed lateral epicondylitis in both arms, a disabling
condition that ended his career.
Eckman, Strandness & Egan established the railroad knew the tools were defective
and knowingly returned the employee to the same working environment, despite his
doctors' restrictions. We successfully negotiated the following out-of-court
settlement on our client's behalf: more than $380,000 distributed in monthly
disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, a $200,000 lump-sum
payment, and over $200,000 in guaranteed future payments.
Related Topics:
Railroad Injuries
Railroad
Workers' Rights
What To Do If You're Injured
A Warning Regarding Claim Agents
Railroad Newsletter Articles
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