Cumulative Traumatic Injuries
What are cumulative traumatic injuries?
Many of the worst
railroad injuries are not caused in a single accident, but occur through repetitive stress
and strain on the railroad worker's joints and muscles. The worker
is often unaware of the injury in its early stages, as it develops gradually
over a period of months or years. By the time the victim begins to feel
symptoms, the damage has often progressed to a point where treatment may
be only partially successful. If you suffer from a cumulative traumatic
injury, it is advisable to discuss the matter with a seasoned railroad
injury lawyer who can evaluate the situation and determine whether you
may have a claim under the FELA. If employer negligence is at fault for
your injury, The Law Offices of Martin E. Jackson can help you file a
lawsuit to recover monetary compensation.
Railroad companies are required by law to provide a safe workplace environment
for their employees, which is not limited to precaution against catastrophic
accidents. If your employer failed to implement strategies to reduce workplace
injuries, best practice guidelines and safety training, you may have grounds
for a lawsuit. Many railroad workers are forced to work under hazardous
conditions and are not informed of strategies they can use to mitigate
the impact of actions such as heavy lifting and repetitive motion on the body.
Cumulative Traumatic Injury FELA Lawsuits
Cumulative traumatic injuries afflict all types of railroad workers, from
signalmen and brakemen to engineers and laborers. Common examples include
muscle strains, tendonitis, pinched nerves, carpel tunnel syndrome, vibration
white finger, back pain and joint injuries. Treating these conditions
early is crucial, as they grow worse with time and can become impossible
to fully heal. You must file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations
expires, but it is often difficult to determine the exact date when an
injury of this type began. An attorney who has experience with railroad
injuries can discuss the condition with you to determine the most effective
course of action.