The #1 Railroad Injury Lawyer | FELA Claim Attorneys

Ted Gianaris is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with many years of experience representing injured railroad workers and their families.

As the founder of Gianaris Trial Lawyers, he has dedicated his career to holding negligent corporations accountable and securing fair compensation for those harmed by unsafe working conditions.

Ted’s legal team works closely with doctors, industrial hygienists, and other experts to build strong cases for clients suffering from occupational illnesses and catastrophic injuries.

He is known for guiding clients through the whole process with professionalism and compassion, ensuring they understand each step of their case.

Ted’s commitment to justice has led to significant results in cases involving railroad work, toxic exposures, and environmental hazards.

His efforts have not only provided financial relief to injured individuals but have also brought attention to systemic issues affecting workers across the country.

Clients appreciate his hands-on approach and the respect he shows to every person he represents.

Under his leadership, Gianaris Trial Lawyers continues to focus on impactful litigation that makes a difference in the lives of those affected by corporate negligence.

Significant results achieved by Ted Gianaris:

• $700,000 FELA settlement for a railroad employee diagnosed with kidney cancer after exposure to benzene, asbestos, and diesel exhaust during his career.
• $5.1 million jury verdict for the family of a Missouri woman who died from mesothelioma caused by secondhand asbestos exposure from her father’s work clothes.
• $6.8 million class action settlement for over 600 residents affected by toxic fumes from an underground fire at the Bridgeton Sanitary Landfill in Missouri.
• $4.48 million settlement for a class of 183 properties polluted by an underground chemical plume of benzene and other toxins from the Wood River Refinery.
• $4.26 million settlement for homeowners affected by pollution from a U.S. Steel-owned steel mill in Granite City, Illinois, due to negligent emission controls.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Railroad Lawyer from Gianaris Trial Lawyers?

Hiring a railroad lawyer from Gianaris Trial Lawyers costs nothing up front.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

This structure allows injured railroad workers and their families to pursue justice without taking on additional financial risk during an already difficult time.

Our fees are collected only as a percentage of the final settlement or trial verdict.

This approach keeps the focus on results and allows our clients to access top-tier legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

When an injured railroader suffers harm while performing job-related duties, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) provides the legal framework for pursuing financial recovery.

Unlike traditional workers’ compensation systems, FELA requires the worker to prove that the railroad’s negligence—such as unsafe working conditions, lack of proper training, or defective equipment—played a role in causing the injury.

The process is more complex but allows for broader compensation, including full lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering.

Because the railroad industry is regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), compliance failures involving transportation safety standards and equipment maintenance can serve as powerful evidence in a FELA case.

A FELA claim involves several key steps, and working with an experienced attorney can help you move through the process with confidence:

1. Report the Injury Immediately: Notify your supervisor or manager and complete an incident report as soon as the injury occurs. Early documentation is crucial.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get prompt treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Be honest about your symptoms and make sure all medical records clearly describe the injury and its cause.
3. Preserve Evidence: Take photos of the equipment, worksite, or conditions that caused your injury. Keep any documents, tools, or protective gear involved.
4. Consult a FELA Attorney: An attorney can evaluate your case, identify acts of negligence, and guide you through the process of filing a formal claim.
5. Investigation and Case Preparation: Your legal team will gather records, interview witnesses, and possibly work with safety experts to build a detailed case.
6. Filing the Lawsuit: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will file a formal FELA lawsuit in either state or federal court.
7. Negotiation or Trial: The case may be resolved through a negotiated settlement or proceed to trial, where a jury determines fault and damages.

Throughout this process, it’s important to remember that railroads and their insurers are often quick to downplay injuries or deny responsibility.

Having a legal team experienced in FELA litigation ensures your rights are protected and your claim is taken seriously.

Whether your injury was caused by defective transportation equipment, inadequate staffing, or a failure to follow FRA regulations, the legal process can hold negligent railroads accountable and secure meaningful compensation for your losses.

Types of Injuries Covered Under FELA

FELA covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses that result from unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, or employer negligence in the railroad industry.

These injuries can be sudden and traumatic or develop over time due to repeated exposure to hazardous environments.

Whether you’re dealing with a physical injury, a long-term occupational disease, or the effects of a serious accident, FELA allows you to seek full compensation if the railroad played a role in causing your condition.

The key factor is proving that negligence contributed in some way to your injury—even if it was only partial.

Common injuries and conditions covered under FELA include:

• Crush injuries from railcar coupling or switching operations
• Amputations caused by unsafe equipment or machinery
• Spinal cord injuries from falls or high-impact incidents
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) due to falling objects or collisions
• Broken bones and fractures from slips, trips, or equipment failure
• Respiratory illnesses linked to diesel fumes, asbestos, or silica dust
• Mesothelioma and lung cancer caused by toxic exposure
• Repetitive stress injuries from physically demanding job tasks
• Electrical burns and shocks suffered during maintenance or repairs
• PTSD or emotional trauma following catastrophic incidents
• Occupational cancers such as leukemia, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer

These injuries can have life-altering consequences, and filing a FELA claim is one of the few legal avenues available to hold railroad employers accountable for the harm caused.

What Railroad Workers Can File FELA Claims?

Any railroad employee who suffers an on-the-job injury or illness due to employer negligence may be eligible to file a FELA claim.

This includes both field and shop workers across a wide range of roles, as long as the injury occurred during the course of employment and was connected to unsafe conditions or defective equipment.

FELA applies to current, former, and even retired workers if the condition—such as cancer or respiratory illness—can be linked to their railroad work.

The law is designed to protect those who perform critical, hands-on duties across the rail system.

Railroad workers eligible to file FELA claims include:

• Locomotive Engineers
• Conductors
• Brakemen
• Trackmen
• Signal Maintainers
• Welders
• Electricians
• Machinists
• Pipefitters
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Carmen
• Locomotive Shop Workers
• Equipment Operators

If you were injured while working for a railroad company, you may qualify to file a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA allows you to pursue a lawsuit if your injury was caused, even in part, by the railroad’s negligence.

This includes unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, lack of proper training, or failure to follow federal safety regulations.

You may also qualify if you developed a serious illness—such as cancer or respiratory disease—from long-term exposure to diesel exhaust, asbestos, or other hazardous substances on the job.

Even if you’re a retired or former railroad worker, you may still be eligible to file a claim if your illness or injury can be traced back to your railroad employment.

Family members may also qualify to bring a case if a loved one died due to a work-related injury or occupational disease.

To confirm your eligibility, a FELA attorney can review your work history, medical records, and the circumstances surrounding your injury.

A timely consultation can help preserve your rights and begin building your case for compensation.

Evidence That Injured Railroad Workers and Attorneys Can Collect

Strong evidence is essential to proving fault and securing fair compensation in a FELA claim.

Injured railroad workers and their attorneys must act quickly to preserve details that may be lost over time or altered by the railroad company.

This evidence can help demonstrate violations of safety law, support claims from witnesses, and build leverage to either settle the case or proceed to trial.

The more comprehensive the evidence, the stronger the worker’s position becomes under the law.

Common types of evidence include:

• Statements from witnesses who observed the incident or unsafe conditions
• Photographs or video of the injury site, equipment, or environmental hazards
• Medical records and treatment notes documenting the injury and diagnosis
• Maintenance logs and inspection records for tools, locomotives, or facilities
• Internal reports or emails from the railroad related to safety concerns
• Incident reports filed with the company or the Federal Railroad Administration
• News articles covering similar accidents or past violations at the same location
• Union documentation or grievances related to safety complaints
• Settlement offers or prior claims involving the same railroad or type of incident

Damages in Railroad Injury Cases

Damages in railroad injury cases refer to the financial compensation awarded to an injured railroader for losses resulting from the accident.

These damages cover both the immediate and long-term effects of the injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), injured workers can seek full compensation when negligence played a role, rather than being limited by the caps seen in workers’ compensation systems.

Whether you settle or go to trial, documenting the full scope of harm is essential to recovering everything you’re entitled to under the law.

Types of damages may include:

• Medical expenses for surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment
• Lost income and reduced future earning capacity if you can’t return to work
• Pain and suffering from physical injury and long-term discomfort
• Mental anguish or emotional distress, especially after traumatic incidents
• Loss of quality of life due to permanent impairment or disability
• Out-of-pocket costs related to rehabilitation, travel, or medical equipment
• Wrongful death damages for family members when a railroad worker is fatally injured
• Punitive damages in extreme cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we understand how devastating a railroad injury or occupational illness can be for you and your family.

With decades of experience handling FELA claims, our team is fully prepared to take on negligent railroad companies and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

We focus exclusively on serious injury, toxic exposure, and wrongful death cases—offering personalized, trial-ready representation every step of the way.

Whether you’re recovering from a traumatic incident or coping with a life-altering diagnosis, we’re here to guide you through the legal process with clarity and strength.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights, build your case, and pursue the justice you’re owed.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a railroad injury claim instantly.