Some of the most challenging types of litigation are personal injury claims made against Amtrak and other railroad companies. Victims often sustain severe injuries, making the valuation of the case quite detailed to cover all aspects of immediate medical care and ongoing treatment, as well as compensate for lost wages and other factors. Additionally, there are frequently various responsible parties.
So knowing how much railway accidents are worth requires the expertise of a train accident lawyer who understands the complexity of these cases and the multitude of factors that should be included in your settlement.
How Much Are Railway Accidents Worth?
In the last few years, there’s been an alarming rise in the frequency of train derailments and collisions, which has led to an increased number of lawsuits against Amtrak and other railway companies. Several of these have led to enormous losses.
For example, Amtrak derailment cases over the years resulted in the compensation of millions of dollars, and subsequent disasters involving Amtrak sparked numerous claims. The Amtrak Reform and Accountability Act of 1997 established a cap of $200 million on compensation Amtrak accident victims could receive. This threshold was raised to $295 million in 2015, but without the right legal guidance, victims and their families might still be particularly vulnerable, and not receive their rightful financial recovery, especially in wrongful death cases.
Additionally, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) provides railroad workers with the ability to file federal workers’ compensation claims. FELA was established to help both victims injured in accidents as well as families who lost loved ones during workplace accidents. While this is a viable benefit, navigating the complexity of the Federal Employees Compensation Program during your recovery is often a burden you and your family don’t need. A qualified train accident attorney who also understands workers’ compensation laws can help.
Common Injuries Caused by Railway Accidents
Everyone from linemen, passengers, and train operators to motorists, pedestrians, and spectators experience serious medical conditions such as:
- Back, head, and neck injuries
- Burns
- Fractured bones
- Nerve and spinal problems
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Psychological damage
- Respiratory damage from smoke inhalation
- Toxic substance exposure
- Traumatic brain injury
How a Kansas City Railway Accident Lawyer Values Your Claim
After suffering a train accident injury, you may be entitled to compensation that helps cover various costs as you move forward. There are many steps to take in the aftermath of an accident, but fortunately, many of them are handled by your skilled legal counsel, and that includes evaluating your case appropriately to ensure you receive fair financial recovery to cover various economic and non-economic damages caused by the accident.
For example, some of the damages our firm helps railway accident victims recover include, but aren’t limited to:
- Medical costs related to the accident
- Long-term medical expenses and treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring and disfigurements
- Loss of consortium in cases involving the wrongful death of a loved one
Each case is unique, which is why having a reliable train accident lawyer on your side makes all the difference.