Railroad Litigation

Overview

Railroad litigation attorneys at Eckert Seamans understand that the railroad industry is unlike any other, involving equipment and operating environments subject to special legal rules and regulations. We have a refined understanding of the interplay between the Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA) and state common law, and have successfully defended several of the country’s leading railroad companies. We believe that service to the client is not simply a matter of representation in trial, but a commitment to resolving cases in the most cost-effective matter whether by trial, settlement, or motion practice.

Our lawyers have successfully handled personal injury and property damage litigation arising from incidents such as train/motor vehicle railroad grade crossing accidents, train collisions and derailments, and toxic exposure. Most of these cases involve catastrophic injuries with substantial damages that make for high-stakes litigation. Eckert Seamans provide comprehensive service to our clients from day one, from accident and pre-lawsuit investigations, to trial work, and on through appellate court arguments.

Beyond railroad industry litigation, Eckert Seamans lawyers have experience with commercial railroad-related disputes and issues, such as antitrust, intellectual property, patent infringement, pricing, rights of way, breach of contract, and bankruptcy.

Representative Matters

  • Obtaining a defense verdict in litigation alleging injury from repetitive stress caused by defective seats and locomotives.
  • Obtaining a defense verdict in litigation wherein the plaintiff claimed he was injured by reason of a passenger trying to push through him as the train left Penn Station.
  • Obtaining a successful result in litigation wherein plaintiff claim injury because he was not allowed to take lunch causing him to pass out.
  • Obtaining a defense verdict in litigation wherein plaintiff claimed traumatic injury as a result of defective or not properly define seat.
  • Successfully defending a railroad when a teenager suffered traumatic amputation of his leg leaving only two inches of femur which trying to jump on a train passing through a commuter train station.