Representation of Railroad Workers

"Injured workers or their families often fall prey to persuasive claims adjusters eager to gain a quick and cheap settlement for their railroad employers, or to lawyers either not competent to try these lawsuits against the able railroad counsel or too willing to settle a case for a quick dollar"

- - United States Supreme Court

Pavalon, Gifford & Laatsch has long been designated by railroad unions as special counsel for the representation of workers and their families under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). The Firm also has been at the forefront politically in opposing efforts by the railroad industry to eliminate the FELA.

Pavalon, Gifford & Laatsch has been designated by railroad unions to represent railroad workers under the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). The Firm's knowledge of railroad operations, complete familiarity with FELA Law, experienced case investigation capabilities and extensive courtroom experience in representing plaintiffs in railroad industry cases offers comprehensive protection for injured railroad workers and their families.

Pavalon, Gifford & Laatsch's association with FELA has developed through more than thirty years of representing railroad employees and their families in FELA cases. During that time, the principals have brought virtually every type of negligence case to verdict. This includes a wide range of medical malpractice, product liability, aviation, auto liability, construction and railroad accidents.

Pavalon, Gifford & Laatsch provides legal counsel to railroad workers whether or not they have been injured in a railroad accident. For example, one worker who was injured off-duty in a motorcycle accident received a $2.25 million settlement one week into the trial.

Following are some examples of the Firm's successful representation of railroad workers and their families:

A young woman who was a clerk-typist for a railroad was required to shift to a position as a laborer in order to maintain her pay level. Due to inadequate training, she lost part of her hand in an accident. The case was settled during trial.

A railroad switchman suffered the loss of recent memory as the result of a head injury received on an on-the-job accident. The case was settled for $1.3 million. In addition, the Firm worked closely with the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board to cut through red tape and help the man receive his retirement benefits in an expeditious manner.

In another case, a railroad worker fell in an improperly maintained yard and suffered severe damage to his back which completely disabled him. The Firm assisted the client in gaining full disability pension benefits in addition to winning a settlement award.

The Firm's attorneys won a substantial verdict in Federal Court in Hammond, Indiana for a track laborer whose hand became caught in a piston on track equipment. When the Railroad appealed the verdict to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Firm's appellate attorneys were again successful and the Railroad was ordered to pay the jury's verdict.