{"id":353579,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/workers-compensation\/osha-and-railroad-workplace-safety.html"},"modified":"2024-03-12T11:02:45","modified_gmt":"2024-03-12T16:02:45","slug":"osha-and-railroad-workplace-safety","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/osha-and-railroad-workplace-safety.html","title":{"rendered":"Railroad Workplace Safety: OSHA Protections"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Railroad Workplace Safety: OSHA Protections<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 12, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <div id=\"copilot-message-rbr\" class=\"fai-CopilotMessage__content r1izxv8h ___7qar2c0 fcthzvy\" dir=\"auto\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"___1vve6yh f22iagw f1vx9l62 f122n59 f3bhgqh f1mnxvew fly5x3f\">\n<div class=\"___j4vmuw0 f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1869bpl fly5x3f fbc6vix\">\n<div data-testid=\"loading-message\" data-fui-focus-visible=\"\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"chatMessageResponserbp\" class=\"___1yop6mf f336tjw f9ijwd5 fz7g6wx fod5ikn f1s184ao\" aria-live=\"assertive\" data-testid=\"lastChatMessage\">\n<div class=\"___1j4t0a1 f1lmfglv f1abmfm4\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-testid=\"markdown-reply\" data-message-type=\"Chat\">\n<div class=\"___stpibi0 f22iagw f1vx9l62 fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f10km5jb f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h\">\n<p>Railroad workers have the right to a safe workplace, access to safety information, and the ability to request inspections. OSHA protects these workers by enforcing safety standards and investigating hazardous conditions. Understanding workers&#8217; compensation and railroad-specific safety laws is crucial for any railroad worker.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Railroad work can be challenging and hazardous. Fortunately, laws and regulations exist to help protect railroad workers from workplace injuries. These protections help ensure they receive proper compensation after a workplace accident.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Occupational Safety and Health Administration<\/a> (OSHA) sets standards and regulations for railroad employees. So, it&#8217;s helpful to know your rights as a railroad employee under OSHA. You should also understand other federal laws that apply to your work.<\/p>\n<p>This guide explains these laws and agencies. It focuses on the unique needs and rights of railroad workers. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding OSHA protections and workers&#8217; compensation for railroad workers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#help-workers\">How does workers&#8217; compensation help railroad workers?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#protect-workers\">How does OSHA protect railroad workers?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#rights\">What are employees&#8217; rights under OSHA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#obligations\">What are employers&#8217; obligations under OSHA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#obligations\">What happens during OSHA inspections?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#Fela\">How does the Federal Employers&#8217; Liability Act help railroad workers?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#frsa\">What is the Federal Railroad Safety Act?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you believe you&#8217;re not getting the support you&#8217;re entitled to, contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">workers&#8217; comp attorney<\/a> in your area. An attorney can evaluate your claim and help you secure benefits for your injury.<\/p>\n<h2>How does workers&#8217; compensation help railroad workers?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-basics.html\">Workers&#8217; compensation<\/a> is insurance for workers injured during employment. This includes railroad workers. Imagine if a railroad worker gets into an accident at work while performing their duties. Workers&#8217; compensation can help pay for medical bills after such accidents.<\/p>\n<p>Employees are entitled to these benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident. The injured worker will receive financial help. They must follow the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-compensation-laws-by-state.html\">workers&#8217; compensation laws in their state<\/a>. Each state has its own workers&#8217; compensation acts.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a railroad worker who gets injured on the job, it&#8217;s crucial to report your work injury promptly. The injury reports you file could greatly help with any future workers&#8217; compensation claims you need to make.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"protect-workers\"><\/a>How does OSHA protect railroad workers?<\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/laws-regs\/oshact\/completeoshact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Occupational Safety and Health Act<\/a>\u00a0is a critical piece of legislation. It helps protect workers, including those working on railroads. The Act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is overseen by the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Department of Labor<\/a>. OSHA creates safety rules to ensure that working conditions aren&#8217;t dangerous. If a railroad worker identifies any unsafe work conditions, they can\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/workers\/file-complaint\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">report these concerns<\/a>\u00a0to an OSHA office.<\/p>\n<p>OSHA has a special program for the protection of workers who flag safety issues. It&#8217;s called the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whistleblowers.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Whistleblower Protection Program<\/a>. It enforces federal laws that keep employers from retaliating against employees who make reports regarding safety or hazardous conditions. For railroad workers, this means that you&#8217;re legally protected if you report unsafe conditions.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, your employer can&#8217;t take adverse actions against you. They can&#8217;t enforce disciplinary actions against you for reporting these safety concerns. For more information on OSHA, see FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/osha-faqs.html\">OSHA Questions and Answers<\/a>\u00a0page.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"rights\"><\/a>What are employees&#8217; rights under OSHA?<\/h2>\n<p>Under OSHA, every railroad worker has the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/railroad-injuries.html\">right to a safe and healthy workplace<\/a>. This includes the right to training about railroad hazards and methods to prevent harm. You should understand these OSHA standards and how they apply to your workplace.<\/p>\n<p>OSHA gives employees many rights and responsibilities, including the right to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Review copies of appropriate standards, rules, regulations, and requirements of the employer<\/li>\n<li>Have access to their own exposure and medical records<\/li>\n<li>Request the OSHA area director to inspect if they believe hazardous conditions or violations of standards exist in the workplace<\/li>\n<li>Have an authorized employee representative accompany the OSHA compliance officer during the inspection tour<\/li>\n<li>Have their names withheld from their employer upon request to OSHA if they sign and file a written complaint<\/li>\n<li>Be free of any discriminatory or retaliatory action taken by their employer as a result of any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/workers\/file-complaint\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OSHA complaint<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Railroad workers are also responsible for following safety rules at their workplace. They should use the safety equipment provided and take an active role in creating a safe working environment.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"obligations\"><\/a>What are employers&#8217; obligations under OSHA?<\/h2>\n<p>Among the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/workplace-safety-osha-and-osh-act-overview.html\">obligations imposed under OSHA<\/a>, employers have a duty to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide work and a workplace free from recognized hazards<\/li>\n<li>Inform employees of OSHA safety and health standards that apply to their workplace<\/li>\n<li>Display in a prominent place the official OSHA poster that describes rights and responsibilities under the OSH Act<\/li>\n<li>Establish a written, comprehensive hazard communication program that includes provisions for such things as container labeling, material safety data sheets, and an employee training program<\/li>\n<li>Inform employees of the existence, location, and availability of their medical and exposure records when employees first begin employment and at least annually thereafter, and provide these records upon request<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/protecting-yourself-from-unsafe-working-conditions.html\">unsafe conditions<\/a> or a violation of OSHA standards, workers have the right to speak up. Railroad workers can request an OSHA inspection.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"inspections\"><\/a>What happens during OSHA inspections?<\/h2>\n<p>If a hazard is not corrected, an employee should contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osha.gov\/contactus\/bystate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OSHA area or state office<\/a> via a written complaint. If the OSHA or state office determines that there are reasonable grounds for believing a violation or danger exists, the office will conduct an inspection. A workers&#8217; representative has a right to accompany an OSHA compliance officer during the inspection.<\/p>\n<p>The representative must be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/what-is-a-labor-union.html\">chosen by the union<\/a> (if there is one) or by the employees. Under no circumstances may the employer choose the workers&#8217; representative. The inspector may conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire workplace. Or they may conduct a partial inspection limited to certain areas or aspects of the operation.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the inspection, the OSHA inspector will meet with the employer and the employee representatives to discuss the abatement of any hazards that may have been found.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"Fela\"><\/a>How does FELA help railroad workers?<\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/employer-responsibility-under-fela.html\">Federal Employers&#8217; Liability Act<\/a>\u00a0(FELA) is another important law for railroad workers. FELA differs from standard workers&#8217; compensation laws. It was specifically designed for people working on railroads. If a railroad worker gets hurt on the job, FELA can step in to help.<\/p>\n<p>This law helps cover the costs of medical treatment, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, pain and suffering, etc., for injured railroad workers. But unlike <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/workers-comp-benefits-explained.html\">workers&#8217; compensation,<\/a> FELA requires the worker to prove the railroad was at least partially at fault for the injury.<\/p>\n<p>Railroad workers must report any workplace injuries as soon as they happen. An injury report is often needed when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/chronology-of-a-fela-claim.html\">making FELA claims<\/a>. If the workers can show that the railroad didn&#8217;t follow safety rules or allowed unsafe working conditions, they may be eligible for assistance under FELA.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, FELA claims can be complicated. This is where law offices can be helpful. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A lawyer experienced with FELA claims<\/a> can help an injured railroad worker get the help they need.<\/p>\n<h2><a id=\"frsa\"><\/a>What is the Federal Railroad Safety Act?<\/h2>\n<p>Railroad workers can face different dangers compared to other workers. That&#8217;s why there are special laws to protect them. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whistleblowers.gov\/statutes\/frsa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Railroad Safety Act<\/a>, or FRSA, is one of those laws. FRSA and FELA are both important laws, but they serve different purposes.<\/p>\n<p>FELA helps injured railroad workers who get hurt on the job by allowing them to seek compensation. It&#8217;s focused on injuries and accidents and requires proving the railroad&#8217;s negligence. FRSA, on the other hand, protects railroad workers who report safety violations, hazards, and their own injuries. It&#8217;s essentially a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/whistleblowers\/whistleblower-protections.html\">whistleblower protection law<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Railroad workers who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/employee-safety-and-retaliation.html\">report safety problems<\/a> are doing a protected activity. This means employers can&#8217;t take adverse actions against them. For example, they can&#8217;t be fired or disciplined for reporting injuries or unsafe conditions. This makes it safer for workers to report problems and help keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n<h2>An Attorney Can Help You Get the Benefits You Deserve<\/h2>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a railroad worker with an on-the-job injury, first get medical attention. Then, you may want to <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/railroad-worker-injury-fela\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consult an experienced attorney<\/a>. They can help protect your rights and secure the assistance you&#8217;re entitled to under the law.<\/p>\n<p>You should meet with an attorney before any type of hearing regarding safety and liability issues arising from the incident, as these proceedings can significantly impact your case.<\/p>\n<p>FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">workers&#8217; compensation attorneys<\/a> can connect you to qualified legal help in your area. Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Your search results will also link you to additional details about the attorneys\u2019 experience with FELA claims.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n 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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Accident and injury claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Legal help is crucial if your claim is denied or benefits are rejected\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL3905\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment.html\">\n                        Employment Law\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-who-is-liable.html\">\n                        Car Accident Liability\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue.html\">\n                        Can I Sue?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/railroad-worker-injury-fela\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Railroad Worker Injury\/FELA Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/workers-compensation-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Workers&#8217; Compensation Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/labor-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Labor Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Rights Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/employment-law-employer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employment Law &#8211; Employer Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/insurance-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Insurance Law Attorneys<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains safety protections for railroad workers. Learn how federal laws and agencies like FELA and OSHA protect injured railroad workers and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":353560,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2734],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-353579","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-injury"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=353579"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353579\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/353560"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=353579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=353579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=353579"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=353579"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=353579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}