Doyle Dennis Avery LLP Files Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Against Texas City Terminal Railway Company

Doyle Dennis and the Youngdahl Law Firm recently filed a retaliation lawsuit against Texas City Terminal Railway Company in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas. Doyle Dennis Avery LLP’s client worked as a Conductor for Texas City Terminal Railway Company. As a result of reporting in good faith the dangerousness of his workplace, Texas City Terminal Railway Company terminated him.

The client was operating a locomotive when an incident occurred. Specifically, at a local rail yard, the client had to “switch the rail” over for the train to continue on a different rail, requiring the locomotive to be no less than 50 feet from the “switch.” The lawsuit alleges that Texas City Terminal Railway Company insisted that the client break safety procedures and run the locomotive through the “switch” point, hoping the “switch” would be automatic. However, Doyle Dennis Avery LLP’s client disobeyed his employer and followed protocol, which he alleges made his employer furious.

           Following the incident, Doyle Dennis Avery LLP’s client reported the incident to his local union representative. The client’s employer learned of this and became openly hostile toward the client for reporting the incident. Less than one week later, Texas City Terminal Railway Company terminated Doyle Dennis Avery LLP’s client because of his protected reports. Doyle Dennis Avery LLP’s client was terminated in violation of the Federal Railroad Safety Act because he spoke up against his supervisor, who he alleges was not following mandatory safety procedures.  

           The Federal Railroad Safety Act (“FRSA”) FRSA promotes safety in railroad operations and reduces railroad-related accidents by protecting employees from retaliation for engaging in protected activities including reporting alleged violations of federal law relating to railroad safety or security and reporting work-related injuries or hazardous safety or security conditions.

Doyle Dennis and the Youngdahl Law Firm have significant experience in representing railroad workers who speak out against unsafe, improper, or hazardous activities in the workplace in Texas. If you spoke out against unsafe, improper, or hazardous activities in the workplace, and you were punished as a result, call Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and the Youngdahl Law Firm P.C. today for a free consultation.