Explosion and Electrocution FELA Lawsuits

Explosion and Electrocution FELA Lawsuits Overview

Many railroad workers suffer injuries or death every year due to electrocution and explosions. Railroad workers are often exposed to dangerous working conditions due to negligence, which can leave them and their families entitled to compensation for an injury or wrongful death. Continue reading this blog to learn more about these types of workplace accidents and FELA lawsuits.

Severe Injury FELA Lawsuits

FELA lawsuits involving serious injury from fire, explosions, or electrocutions would likely result in a very large recovery.

Even though liability (who’s at fault) may be very clear, it can take years to reach a settlement, given that you will likely need to reach the point of maximum medical improvement before your lawyer will seek to settle the case for a fair value.

Often, this leaves a plaintiff out of work and running low on savings. FELA lawsuit loans can help plaintiffs last long enough for their attorneys to negotiate a fair settlement.

Causes of Railway Explosions

There are various types of explosions that can occur on a railroad work site. They include the following:

• Boiler explosions – These occur due to the catastrophic failure of a boiler.
  • Boiler failure is caused by the failure of the pressure parts of the steam and water sides, the failure of the safety valve, corrosion of critical parts of the boiler, or a low water level.
  • Frequent causes of these failures include poor operator training, which results in the mishandling of the boiler. Boilers can also explode due to defective products, bad workmanship, and mismanagement.
  • While all boiler explosions pose a threat, locomotive-type boiler explosions are particularly dangerous because they can explode even at normal working pressure. That is why the top of the firebox must be covered with water at all times. Railroad engines are not the only ones susceptible to these types of explosions. Other engines that use locomotive-type boilers include traction engines, portable engines, skid engines used for mining or logging, and stationary engines for sawmills and factories. Regardless of their use, it is necessary to make sure these boilers maintain the proper water level for safe operation.
  • Note: The railroad’s failure to maintain, repair, or inspect a boiler qualifies you for a FELA lawsuit and legal funding from Uplift.
• Firebox explosions – This describes a fuel/air explosion in the furnace, typically occurring after a burner flameout.
  • Fuels such as oil fumes, natural gas, propane, or coal can build up inside the combustion chamber. If the vessel is hot, these fuels will quickly volatilize. Any source of ignition will cause an explosion.
• Water heater explosions – A water heater contains a significant amount of energy. An explosion can occur in the event of localized superheating, in which the steam created exceeds the strength of the vessel.

Causes of Railroad Worker Electrocutions

Electrocution often results in serious injury due to electricity flowing through the body. These injuries range from minor burns to death. Railroad electrocutions can occur due to the following:

• Exposure to electrical wiring when aboard a train or in a rail yard
• Contact with high-voltage power lines or power line explosions

Again, if these conditions were due to the negligence of the railroad, you may qualify for a FELA lawsuit.

Uplift Legal Funding

Uplift Legal Funding operates nationwide. We help plaintiffs withstand lengthy trials to get better settlements. Call us today at (800) 385-3660 or apply online to get started.