Tylka Law Firm - Premier Attorneys for Railroad & FELA Claims
Railroad workers across Texas face exceptional dangers every day – from devastating derailments near Houston’s massive rail yards along the Hardy Toll Road to catastrophic switching accidents at Galveston’s port rail terminals and deadly train collisions throughout the state’s extensive freight networks – injuries that fall under the specialized Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) rather than standard workers’ compensation laws. Tylka Law Firm has established itself as Texas’s premier railroad and FELA claims law firm, representing injured railroad employees throughout the state’s vast rail infrastructure from the Union Pacific yards in Houston’s East End to the BNSF operations near the Port of Galveston and the extensive freight corridors that connect Texas’s major cities and industrial centers. Our experienced Texas railroad and FELA attorneys understand that railroad injury cases operate under entirely different legal standards than typical workplace accidents – requiring proof of employer negligence under federal law while providing substantially greater compensation potential than state workers’ compensation systems, making experienced FELA representation essential for railroad workers seeking full recovery for their injuries.
The Greater Houston area serves as a critical railroad hub where multiple major freight lines converge, creating particularly hazardous working conditions from the sprawling Union Pacific Englewood Yard near the Sam Houston Tollway to the dangerous rail crossings along Interstate 10 where switching operations and heavy freight traffic contribute to serious railroad worker injuries throughout Harris County. Tylka Law Firm’s Houston railroad and FELA claims attorneys possess comprehensive knowledge of high-risk rail operations including the massive BNSF intermodal facility near the Houston Ship Channel, the dangerous rail yards along Highway 225 in Pasadena where chemical tanker cars create explosion risks, and the complex port rail operations at Galveston where dock workers and railroad employees face unique hazards from cargo handling and vessel loading activities. From repetitive stress injuries affecting locomotive engineers operating between Houston and San Antonio to traumatic accidents involving maintenance crews working on tracks near Downtown Houston’s rail corridors, our railroad injury lawyers understand the specific occupational hazards that contribute to FELA claims throughout Southeast Texas’s busy transportation networks.
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FELA litigation requires specialized knowledge of federal railroad safety regulations, industry standards, and Supreme Court precedents that standard personal injury attorneys rarely encounter in their practice – demanding immediate investigation techniques that preserve crucial evidence before railroad companies can alter accident scenes or destroy documentation. Our Texas railroad and FELA claims attorneys deploy railway engineering experts, locomotive specialists, and federal safety consultants to investigate everything from brake failures on freight trains traveling through the Trinity River rail bridge area to signal malfunctions at railroad crossings near Galveston’s 61st Street where vehicle-train accidents often involve railroad employee injuries as secondary victims. We meticulously examine Federal Railroad Administration compliance records, equipment maintenance logs, and crew scheduling practices whether railroad workers suffered injuries from coupling accidents at the massive rail yards near Highway 6 in Houston, experienced back injuries from repetitive locomotive operations, or sustained trauma from derailments caused by track defects along the busy freight corridors connecting Houston to Dallas and other major Texas markets.
FELA provides powerful legal protections for railroad workers that allow recovery for full lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses – compensation levels far exceeding standard workers’ compensation benefits – while the federal law’s “featherweight” negligence standard makes it easier to establish railroad company liability for workplace injuries. Tylka Law Firm’s railroad and FELA claims attorneys have successfully secured millions in settlements and verdicts for railroad employees throughout Texas, challenging major rail carriers including Union Pacific, BNSF, Kansas City Southern, and regional railroads that operate extensive networks from the Port of Houston’s rail terminals to the inland rail yards serving Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. Our proven track record includes substantial recoveries for locomotive engineers, conductors, carmen, signal maintainers, and track workers injured throughout Texas’s rail system, from devastating accidents at the rail crossings near Galveston Bay to serious injuries at maintenance facilities throughout the state’s extensive freight corridors that require the specialized federal law expertise only dedicated FELA litigation can provide. Contact our experienced Texas railroad and FELA claims attorneys today at (877) 228-9552 to discover how federal railroad worker protection laws can secure substantially greater compensation than state workers’ compensation systems for your railroad-related injuries throughout Houston, Galveston, and across Texas’s vast railroad networks.
Key Areas We Can Help You With:
- Personal Injury Claims: Seeking compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
- Insurance Disputes: Navigating claims with insurance companies and ensuring you’re treated fairly.
- Vehicle Damage Claims: Getting the compensation needed to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Wrongful Death Cases: If a loved one was killed in an accident, we’re here to provide compassionate, expert legal support.
When Should You Hire a Texas Railroad & FELA Claims Lawyer?
While not every injury requires a lawyer, there are circumstances where having an attorney on your side can make all the difference. You should consider hiring a personal injury attorney if:- You’ve sustained significant injuries that require medical attention or long-term care.
- The accident involves injury parties or complex liability issues.
- The insurance company or worker’s compensation is offering a low settlement or denying your claim.
- There is a dispute about fault, and you need legal representation to protect your interests.
Q: How does a workers' compensation lawsuit differ from a personal injury lawsuit?
- Workers’ compensation provides benefits regardless of fault but limits compensation to medical expenses and partial wage replacement
- Personal injury lawsuits require proving negligence but offer compensation for all damages including pain and suffering, full lost wages, and punitive damages
- Workers’ compensation prevents suing your employer but allows claims against third parties responsible for workplace accidents
- Tylka Law Firm evaluates each case to pursue both workers’ compensation and viable third-party claims when possible
Q: What compensation can I recover from a workplace injury in Texas?
- Medical expenses (past and future) related to your workplace injury
- Lost wages and diminished future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs including physical therapy and vocational retraining
- Pain and suffering damages (in third-party claims)
- Permanent disability and disfigurement compensation
- Death benefits for families who have lost loved ones in workplace accidents
Q: What should I do immediately after an accident in Texas?
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor—some serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away
- Call 911 to report the accident and ensure police create an official report
- Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, property damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Collect contact information from all parties involved, witnesses, and responding officers
- Avoid discussing fault or making statements to insurance companies beyond basic factual information
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, missed work, and expenses related to the accident
- Contact Tylka Law Firm as soon as possible to protect your rights—evidence can disappear quickly and insurance companies will begin working immediately to minimize your claim
Q: How long do I have to file a workplace injury claim in Texas?
- Workers’ compensation claims must typically be reported within 30 days of injury
- Written claims must be filed within one year of the injury date
- Personal injury lawsuits against third parties generally have a two-year statute of limitations
- Failure to meet these deadlines typically results in losing your right to compensation
- Consulting Tylka Law Firm immediately after injury ensures all deadlines are met
Q: Why do I need an attorney for my workers' compensation or personal injury claim?
- Studies show represented workers receive significantly higher settlements
- Insurance companies frequently deny valid claims or terminate benefits prematurely
- Complex paperwork and procedural requirements create pitfalls for unrepresented workers
- Tylka Law Firm identifies additional compensation sources beyond workers’ compensation
- We prevent employer retaliation and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process
Q: How does Tylka Law Firm get paid for workplace injury cases?
- Free initial consultations with no upfront costs
- Contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation
- Fees for workers’ compensation cases are regulated and approved by the state
- Personal injury claims typically involve a percentage of the recovery
- All fee arrangements are clearly explained before representation begins
