Metairie Railroad Accident Lawyer
Louisiana has long been a major hub of train activity. Unfortunately, this also means the state has suffered more than its fair share of railroad accidents. This includes everything from train derailments to collisions with cars on railroad tracks. And while railroad accidents are overall less common than car crashes, the impact of a single incident is often far more catastrophic and devastating for the victims.
If you, or someone in your family, has been seriously hurt or killed in such an event, a qualified Metairie railroad accident lawyer can help. At Palazzo Law Firm, we represent accident victims and family members struggling to understand how an accident occurred in the first place. We will put all of our resources to work for you in helping to determine who is responsible and who should be made to pay for what happened.
Know Your Legal Rights Following a Train Collision or Derailment
Railroad accidents take many forms. Some of the more common types of accidents we deal with include:
- Collisions. These are most often the result of a train striking an object on the tracks, such as a car or passenger truck.
- Commuter train accidents. Commuter trains may strike or kill someone who is on the train platform or performing maintenance work on the tracks.
- Derailments. This refers to any accident where a train actually leaves the tracks. Derailed trains usually flip onto their sides, killing or seriously injuring the passengers inside.
Determining the cause of a railroad accident often requires an extensive investigation. Many accidents are the result of errors made by the train’s crew or other employees of the railway. In some cases, the operator may be overly fatigued or acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Accidents such as derailments may also be the result of poor track maintenance or a signaling error. All of these possible factors–and more–need to be considered when deciding how to apportion fault for a railroad accident.
If you are an injured passenger–or the family of a passenger who was killed–you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against the railroad company or any other person or entity whose negligence may have contributed to the accident. Through such a lawsuit you can seek damages for both your economic losses as well as your ongoing pain and suffering.
It is also important to note that if you are a railroad employee who was injured in an accident, your damages are likely covered by a separate federal statute designed specifically to compensate railway workers. Our attorneys can advise of your rights under this law.
Contact Palazzo Law Firm Today
Railroad companies and their insurers are usually quick to try and settle any potential legal claims arising from an accident. But you should never agree to any settlement offer before first speaking with an experienced Metairie railroad accident lawyer. Contact Palazzo Law Firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team.
