Railroad worker injuries are covered under the Federal Employees
Liability Act which requires that a railroad maintains their
fleet, ensuring that their trains are in good working order and
free of defects. If a railroad does not comply with these
standards, they may be liable for injuries to their workers.
Damages railroad workers may receive include medical treatments,
present and future lost wages and mental trauma. An injury on
the railway can range from a minor sprain to a spinal injury so
severe that it leads to death. Some of the most common injuries
that affect railway workers are head trauma, knee injuries, back
injuries, neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain trauma or
spinal cord injuries. The Federal Employees Liability Act
protects railroad workers and others as diverse as clerical
employees whose day-to-day functions do not directly involve
trains or outdoor activity.