Cleveland Train Accident Lawyer

Railroad accidents are not something most people talk about in the country. Unfortunately, as one of the nation’s major networks in the railroad industry, Ohio has seen its fair share of catastrophic train accidents. Because of this, the local government took action to address the growing concerns about railroad safety. However, it was not enough to prevent railroad accident fatalities. Injuries caused by trains are life-threatening, expensive, and sometimes permanent. This is why victims need to seek help from an experienced Cleveland train accident lawyer to recover their damages caused by a train accident. A train accident lawyer can help you process your train accident claim or lawsuit and keep the ground running until you fully recover from your injuries.

Ryan LLP Injury Attorneys have successfully represented many injured clients in train accidents. Protect yourself and your rights. Schedule a free consultation with one of our Ohio train accident lawyers today. Call (216) 600-0308 or submit your case details using our online contact form.

CLEVELAND TRAIN ACCIDENT LAWYER DEDICATED TO HELPING TRAIN ACCIDENT VICTIMS

With more than five decades of helping injured clients, our Cleveland train accident attorneys have successfully handled and defended hundreds of personal injury clients.

We also amassed more than $10 million worth of verdicts and settlements for our injured clients throughout our decades of experience.

Our personal injury lawyers at Ryan LLP Injury Attorneys are highly selective in the cases we accept. Our attorneys only acquire a limited number of clients to ensure that every client receives the personalized attention and care they deserve.

Our team of experienced injury lawyers will inspect your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. You can focus on your recovery while we keep the groundwork rolling.

TRAIN ACCIDENT STATISTICS

According to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), over 135 railroad accidents were recorded in Ohio from January 2021 to December 2021. From the same report, most of the documented accidents were slip and fall accidents.

In the bigger picture, railroad accidents nationwide reached 2,131 in 2021, which is significantly higher than the previous year’s 1,906 collisions, according to Operation Lifesaver.

Out of the reported number in 2021, 237 train passengers and other individuals died due to railroad accidents. Here’s a year-by-year glance at train accidents from 2017 to 2021:

• 2021: 2,131 accidents
• 2020: 1,906 accidents
• 2019: 2,231 accidents
• 2018: 2,233 accidents
• 2017: 2,124 accidents

TYPES OF RAILROAD/TRAIN ACCIDENTS WE HANDLE

Our personal injury lawyers at Ryan LLP Injury Attorneys have significant experience handling a wide variety of train accidents, including:

• Derailments. A derailment occurs when a train leaves the tracks. This accident can cause extensive damage to the train cars and any nearby property. It can also lead to injuries and even death.
• Railroad crossing accidents. These accidents occur when a car or pedestrian is hit by a train at railroad crossings. Collisions can transpire for many reasons, including driver or pedestrian errors.
• Collisions with other trains and cars. These accidents can occur when two trains collide, or a train collides with a vehicle. Rail and subway accidents are the most common causes of rail and subway accidents are mechanical failures, driver error, or track conditions.
• Hazardous cargo accidents. These can occur when a train carries dangerous cargo that leaks or explodes. Accidents may happen for multiple reasons, including mechanical failure or human error.
• Sparks fly from train tracks. These accidents can occur when a train’s sparks ignite a fire. Collisions can happen for various reasons, such as faulty mechanics or driver errors.

This list is not exhaustive. Suppose you have been involved in a train accident that is not listed here. In that case, you may still pursue consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.

REASONS WHY TRAIN ACCIDENTS HAPPEN IN CLEVELAND, OHIO

There are many reasons train accidents happen. Often, these accidents are caused by:

• Railroad workers’ negligence. Train accidents can occur when railroad workers fail to properly maintain the tracks, signals, or trains. Additionally, workers may be negligent if they do not follow safety protocols while working on or near the tracks.
• Lack of safety system. Train companies may be held liable if they do not have adequate safety systems to prevent accidents. For example, a train company may be found negligent if warning signs are inadequately lit.
• Overspeeding. Train accidents can also be caused by trains speeding through areas where they should slow down.
• Poorly maintained tracks. If a railroad company does not properly keep them, these railroad tracks can lead to railroad defects and accidents.
• Visual obstructions. If an area is poorly lit or objects are blocking the view of oncoming trains, it can lead to life-threatening accidents.

MOST COMMON INJURIES IN A CLEVELAND TRAIN ACCIDENT

There are many different types of bodily injuries that a victim can suffer in a train accident. The most common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur when the head collides with a hard surface or when a blunt object bludgeons the skull. TBIs can lead to long-term health problems, including memory loss, impaired vision, and difficulty speaking.
• Spinal cord damages. These injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis. The most common type of paralysis is quadriplegia or paralysis of all four limbs.
• Internal organ rupture. These injuries can occur when the force of the collision causes the victim’s internal organs to rupture.
• Severe fractures. A victim can suffer severe fractures in a train accident. These injuries can cause long-term pain and may require intensive surgery to heal correctly.
• Amputation or crushing injuries. These injuries can occur when the force of the collision crushes a victim’s limbs or digits. In some instances, these injuries may require amputation.

COMPENSATORY DAMAGES IN A TRAIN ACCIDENT IN CLEVELAND

Recoverable damages in train accidents apply similarly to those in personal injury accidents. Injury victims are expected to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Additionally, the court may award punitive damages for grave negligence cases.

ECONOMIC DAMAGES

Economic damages are financial losses that have a specific monetary value. They include:

• All current and future medical expenses;
• Lost wages and future earnings;
• Loss of property; and
• Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases).

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES

Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify because they do not have a set monetary value. These types of losses include:

• Pain and suffering;
• Mental anguish;
• Loss of consortium; and
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

PUNITIVE DAMAGES

Punitive damages are awarded to victims in cases of egregious negligence. They are intended to punish the at-fault party and prevent future accidents. This damage is often encountered in wrongful death cases when a victim is killed due to the train company or worker’s negligence.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE RYAN LLP TO HANDLE YOUR TRAIN ACCIDENT CLAIM

Our legal team at Ryan LLP Injury Attorneys comprises experienced trial lawyers who have a proven track record of success. Helping victims recover the compensation they deserve is our top priority. Here’s why our law firm remains a cut above the rest:

• Five decades of solid experience. Our Cleveland train accident lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims. So we know exactly what to do to win your case.
• Millions of compensation won. We have recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
• Contingency fee and a free consultation. We do not collect fees unless we win your case. Plus, your initial consultation is free of charge.

CONTACT OUR CLEVELAND TRAIN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Whether you are dealing with injuries or the death of a loved one, we understand the challenges you are facing. The last thing you should have to worry about is how to pay your mounting medical bills and other expenses.

Let us help you get the total and fair compensation you deserve so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today at (216) 600-0308 to schedule a free consultation with our Cleveland train accident lawyer. Our Cleveland, OH law firm also handles a myriad of other cases, such as medical malpractice and car accidents.