You Built the Railroad — Now They’re Turning Their Back on You
Railroad injuries can end careers and change lives, but the companies and their lawyers fight hard to deny responsibility. Don’t face them alone. We fight for injured workers — one case at a time.
Houston Railroad Injury Lawyer
Houston is a major rail hub in Texas, with freight and commuter trains running through densely populated areas every day. Railroads like Union Pacific, BNSF Railway, Kansas City Southern, and Amtrak operate extensively throughout the city and surrounding counties. Accidents involving trains—whether derailments, pedestrian strikes, or on-the-job rail worker injuries—can result in catastrophic harm. Whether the incident happens near Hardy Toll Road, in East End, or along the busy freight corridors near the Port of Houston, victims often face life-altering injuries and complex legal battles.
That’s where Abogada Kim Bruno comes in. She represents injured rail workers, passengers, and families impacted by train-related tragedies. With deep knowledge of FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act), state negligence laws, and railroad liability, Kim builds strong cases against powerful rail companies. She works tirelessly to secure compensation for medical care, lost wages, and the justice her clients deserve.
Why Do I Need Railroad Injury Lawyer?
Injured in a railroad accident? Don’t face powerful rail companies and insurers alone — protect your rights with strong legal representation from day one.
Railroad Companies Have Strong Legal Teams
Major carriers like Union Pacific and BNSF have lawyers trained to reduce payouts—your attorney levels the playing field.
Federal Laws Are Complex
Railroad injuries often involve FELA (Federal Employers Liability Act) or other specialized laws that require expert legal knowledge.
Evidence Disappears Quickly
Black box data, video surveillance, and maintenance logs can be lost or altered—an attorney ensures it’s preserved and investigated.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
A skilled lawyer can identify negligence by the railroad, contractors, or equipment manufacturers and pursue all responsible parties.
Insurance Companies Will Undervalue Your Claim
Without legal representation, you risk accepting far less than what your injury is truly worth.
You Deserve Full Compensation
An experienced railroad injury lawyer like Abogada Kim Bruno fights for your medical costs, lost wages, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
How Abogada Kim Bruno Can Help Railroad Injury Victims in Houston?
Represents railroad employees injured on the job — including conductors, engineers, maintenance crews, and yard workers
Files claims under FELA, which allows injured workers to sue their employer for unsafe working conditions or negligence
Investigates workplace hazards like poor equipment, lack of training, or dangerous procedures
Works with medical experts to document injuries and show how they impact your ability to work
Pursues full compensation for medical costs, lost wages, disability, and long-term care needs
Offers free case evaluations and charges no fees unless you win
Keeps your case moving forward with clear communication and dedicated support
Handles claims involving repetitive stress injuries, crush injuries, derailments, and toxic exposure
Pushes back against railroad company lawyers and insurers who try to deny or reduce your claim
What Is FELA?
To win a FELA claim, you must prove that the railroad company, a coworker, or a contractor was at least partially responsible for your injury. Even a small amount of negligence is enough to establish liability under FELA. This makes it a powerful tool for injured workers, but also means that strong legal representation is critical.
At Abogada Kim Bruno, we handle FELA claims with precision, urgency, and a deep understanding of the law. We know how to investigate unsafe conditions, preserve evidence, and build a strong case for maximum recovery.
What To Do After a Railroad Injury in Houston?
After a serious railroad injury, here’s what to do:
Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and ensure it is officially documented.
Seek medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor.
Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any unsafe equipment or conditions.
Preserve any physical evidence, including damaged gear, clothing, or tools involved.
Do not sign documents or provide recorded statements to the railroad company or insurers without legal advice.
Keep records of all medical visits, expenses, and missed workdays.
Contact an injury attorney like Kim Bruno as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin building your case.
Common Types Of Railroad Accidents in Houston
Railroad accidents can happen in an instant—but the injuries can last a lifetime. Whether you’re a rail worker or a civilian, understanding the risks is the first step toward justice.
- Train Derailments Occur when a train leaves the tracks due to defective rails, speeding, or mechanical failures, often causing widespread damage and injuries.
- Railroad Crossing Accidents Involve collisions between trains and vehicles or pedestrians at crossings, frequently caused by missing signals, poor visibility, or stalled traffic.
- Train-on-Train Collisions Head-on, rear-end, or side collisions between trains, typically caused by signal malfunctions, miscommunication, or operator negligence.
- Worker Injuries on the Job Railroad employees hurt during switching, maintenance, or yard operations due to faulty equipment or unsafe procedures.
- Hazardous Material Spills Accidents involving trains carrying chemicals or flammable materials that result in toxic exposure, explosions, or environmental damage.
- Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents Railroad workers injured due to unsafe walking surfaces, poor lighting, or unaddressed hazards on rail property.
What Causes Railroad Worker Injuries?
Poorly Maintained Tracks or Equipment
Broken rails, worn-out ties, or faulty trains can cause derailments or accidents.
Defective Machinery or Tools
Malfunctioning equipment puts workers at immediate risk of serious harm.
Lack of Proper Safety Protocols or Training
When companies cut corners on training or safety measures, accidents follow.
Failure to Provide Protective Gear
Missing gloves, helmets, vests, or hearing protection can turn routine tasks into injury hazards.
Long Shifts and Fatigue
Overworked employees make more mistakes, especially around heavy machinery.
Negligent Coworkers or Management
One careless act or ignored safety rule can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Toxic fumes or chemicals without protection can cause long-term health issues.
Poor Communication
Miscommunication on-site or between departments can result in deadly errors.
Common Railroad Injuries
Railroad employees face unique risks daily. These are some of the most common injuries sustained on the job:
Back and neck injuries
from lifting heavy equipment or derailments
Repetitive stress injuries
due to long hours of physical labor
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
from falls or being struck by tools
Hearing loss
from constant noise exposure
Crush injuries
from coupling or uncoupling train cars
Fatal injuries
especially in derailments or collisions
Burns
from equipment malfunctions or chemical exposure
Who's Liable in a Railroad Injury Claim?
In a railroad injury claim, liability can fall on multiple parties depending on how the injury occurred. Under FELA, you must prove that the railroad—or another responsible party—was negligent, even partially. Here are some common parties who may be held liable:
Railroad Employers
Failing to provide a safe work environment
Lack of proper training or supervision
Pressuring workers to operate under dangerous conditions
Neglecting safety protocols or inspections
Coworkers or Supervisors
Equipment Manufacturers or Contractors
Railroad Property Owners
Can Railroad Workers File for Workers’ Compensation?
If you’re a railroad employee injured on the job, you are not covered under Texas workers’ compensation laws. Instead, your claim must be filed under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) — a special federal law created to protect injured railway workers.
FELA was passed to address the high number of serious injuries railroad employees suffered due to dangerous work conditions. Unlike standard workers’ comp, FELA holds railroad companies legally and financially responsible for injuries caused by negligence, such as unsafe equipment, lack of proper training, or pressure to work long hours without rest. Unfortunately, even today, some companies still put profit ahead of safety — and that’s where legal protection under FELA becomes critical.
How FELA Differs from Workers’ Compensation?
While both FELA and workers’ compensation provide support to injured workers, they operate under very different rules. With workers’ compensation, you don’t need to prove fault. Even if your own mistake caused the injury, you’re still eligible for benefits unless you were intoxicated, fighting, or off-duty. However, FELA requires proof of employer negligence, even if it’s just partial fault. This higher burden of proof makes FELA claims more complex, but also opens the door to much greater compensation. If you succeed in a FELA case, you may be able to recover:
Full medical expenses
100% of your lost wages
Reduced future earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional and mental distress
In contrast, workers’ comp only covers basic medical bills and a portion of lost income. That’s why injured railroad workers need a skilled Houston FELA attorney who understands how to build a strong claim, gather evidence, and prove negligence before it’s too late. At Abogada Kim Bruno, we fight for injured railroad employees across Texas. If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions, fatigue, faulty equipment, or pressure from management, we’ll help you hold the railroad accountable and demand every dollar you’re entitled to under the law.
Do I Have to Prove Negligence in a Railroad Worker Injury Claim?
Yes — under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), railroad workers must prove that their injury was caused at least in part by their employer’s negligence. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, which pays benefits regardless of fault, FELA is fault-based.
That means if you were injured while working on the railroad, you’ll need to show that your employer failed to provide a reasonably safe work environment. This could include:
Inadequate safety protocols or procedures
Lack of proper training or supervision
Faulty tools, equipment, or machinery
Pressure to work long hours without rest
Unsafe working conditions or environments
At Abogada Kim Bruno, we help injured railroad workers build strong FELA claims backed by evidence, expert testimony, and thorough investigation. If your injury was preventable, we’ll fight to hold the railroad accountable and pursue the full compensation you’re owed.
When to Contact a Houston Railroad Injury Lawyer?
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