As a railroad employee, the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) gives you more rights and more protection than any other working person in the United States, but unless you know and exercise these rights, they might as well not even exist.
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and Cumulative Trauma Injuries
- WHOLE BODY VIBRATION (WBV): WBV is a term used to describe mechanical vibrations, jolts, and shocks that are transmitted to the worker from locomotive seats, track maintenance machines and other vehicles. These injuries may develop over time and painful back and neck symptoms may occur with or without a specific traumatic event.
Over the years, the railroads have received countless complaints about this problem and there is evidence suggesting they knew their employees were at risk for debilitating spinal injuries.
- CUMULATIVE TRAUMA: Cumulative trauma is caused by repetitive motion that wears out the cartilage, ligaments and tissues of the human body. A railroad career likely involves cumulative trauma due to the work's routine and repetitive nature. In fact, many workers may not know they've even been injured, often incorrectly assuming that the aging process is the cause of their aches and pains.
- WE CAN HELP: We are prepared to handle WBV and cumulative trauma claims and will hire if needed nationally and internationally recognized experts in related areas such as repetitive motion injuries, locomotive design and maintenance, cab seat design and maintenance, and track and roadbed integrity to help your case.
