Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm File Lawsuit Against Union Pacific Railroad Company for Workplace Negligence and Wrongful Termination

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm have filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad Company on behalf of their client, a former Union Pacific employee, under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). The lawsuit, filed in Harris County, Texas, alleges that Union Pacific’s negligence resulted in a catastrophic train collision that caused the client severe physical and mental injuries while permanently altering his career trajectory and financial stability.

Railroad workers face unique hazards in an industry where safety protocols are paramount. This case highlights the devastating consequences when railroad companies fail to uphold their duty of care to their employees.

Overview of the Railroad Injury Case

The Incident: A Preventable Railroad Collision

On December 6, 2024, while working as a conductor in Baytown, Texas, the client was operating a train when it collided with stationary railcars that had been left idling on the same track. Despite following all required protocols and communicating with Union Pacific personnel before the collision, the client was given no warning that his locomotive was headed toward the dangerous obstruction.

The lawsuit contends that Union Pacific Railroad Company failed to ensure a safe working environment by neglecting its duty to maintain clear tracks and provide adequate communication—fundamental requirements under federal railroad safety standards and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.

Post-Incident Employer Conduct

Adding insult to injury, rather than supporting its injured worker, Union Pacific terminated the client’s employment shortly after the incident—despite the client’s six years of dedicated service with no prior disciplinary record. The lawsuit suggests this termination may represent retaliatory action against an injured employee, potentially compounding the company’s liability under worker protection laws.

Critical Failures Identified in the Legal Filing

The legal complaint details several critical failures that allegedly contributed to this preventable collision:

Operational Safety Failures

• Track Management Deficiencies: Stationary railcars were left on an active track without proper notification in the system.
• Communication Breakdown: Despite the client’s adherence to standard communication protocols, critical safety information about track obstructions was not conveyed.
• Inadequate Dispatch Procedures: The lawsuit contends that Union Pacific failed to implement and maintain effective dispatch and track management systems.

Post-Incident Employer Conduct

Adding insult to injury, rather than supporting its injured worker, Union Pacific terminated the client’s employment shortly after the incident—despite the client’s six years of dedicated service with no prior disciplinary record. The lawsuit suggests this termination may represent retaliatory action against an injured employee, potentially compounding the company’s liability under worker protection laws.

Understanding FELA and Railroad Worker Rights

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act: A Cornerstone of Railroad Worker Protection

Unlike most workplace injuries that fall under state workers’ compensation systems, railroad workers are protected by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which provides special considerations for this high-risk industry:

Key Elements of FELA Protection

• Negligence-Based Recovery: Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA requires proving employer negligence, but offers potentially greater compensation.
• Comparative Negligence Standard: Even if a worker is partially at fault, they can still recover damages, reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
• Broader Scope of Damages: FELA allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not typically available under workers’ compensation.
• No Damage Caps: Unlike many state workers’ compensation systems, FELA does not impose arbitrary limits on recovery amounts.

Railroad Company Responsibilities Under FELA

Under FELA, railroad companies have specific legal obligations to their employees:

• Provide a Reasonably Safe Workplace: This includes proper equipment, adequate training, and effective safety protocols.
• Enforce Safety Regulations: Adherence to both federal safety regulations and company safety rules.
• Inspect Work Areas: Regular inspection of work environments to identify and address hazards.
• Train and Supervise Employees: Proper training and oversight to ensure safe work practices.

This case exemplifies how alleged failures to meet these obligations can lead to significant injuries and substantial legal liability.

Legal Consequences Under FELA

Railroad Liability for Worker Injuries

Under FELA, railroad companies face specific legal responsibilities that differ from standard workers’ compensation cases:

Establishing Negligence in FELA Cases

To recover damages under FELA, injured railroad workers must prove:

• Duty of Care: The railroad had a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe working environment.
• Breach of Duty: The railroad failed to meet this obligation through action or inaction.
• Causation: This failure played some role, however small, in causing the injury.
• Damages: The worker suffered actual harm as a result.

The “featherweight” causation standard under FELA means that if employer negligence played any part, even the slightest, in producing the injury, the railroad can be held liable—a significantly lower standard than in ordinary negligence cases.

Potential Damages in FELA Cases

As a result of Union Pacific’s alleged negligence, the client is seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, physical and emotional suffering, and permanent impairment—all recoverable under FELA.

Wrongful Termination and FELA Protection

The lawsuit raises serious concerns about the client’s termination following the injury:

• Protected Activity: Reporting injuries and safety concerns are protected activities under federal law.
• Adverse Employment Action: Termination following such reports may constitute illegal retaliation.
• Whistleblower Protections: Federal railroad safety laws specifically protect employees who report injuries or safety violations.

The Role of Specialized Railroad Injury Lawyers

Expertise Required for Complex FELA Cases

Navigating railroad injury law requires specialized expertise. FELA attorneys focus on cases that involve unique challenges such as:

• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Familiarity with railroad terminology, operations, and safety standards.
• Regulatory Framework: Comprehensive understanding of Federal Railroad Administration regulations.
• FELA Jurisprudence: Knowledge of the extensive body of case law interpreting FELA provisions.

A skilled FELA attorney knows how to overcome the railroad’s internal investigations, which often seek to minimize company liability and place blame on injured workers.

At Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm, our team is dedicated to defending the rights of railroad workers. Our expertise in handling FELA lawsuits has helped countless clients seek justice and secure fair compensation for injuries sustained in railroad operations.

Critical Safety Protocols for Railroad Operations

The Importance of Safety Systems and Clear Communication

This case highlights the critical need for robust safety protocols and effective communication in railroad operations. Responsible railroad companies must implement:

• Real-Time Tracking: Systems that monitor the location of all railcars and locomotives.
• Automated Warning Systems: Technologies that alert operators to potential collision scenarios.
• Clear Track Verification: Protocols requiring verification that tracks are clear before authorizing train movement.
• Clear Chain of Command: Establishing who is responsible for track clearance communication.
• Redundant Communication Systems: Multiple methods to ensure critical safety information reaches all personnel.

Railroad companies that neglect these responsibilities not only endanger their workers but also expose themselves to significant legal liabilities. By enforcing strict safety protocols, companies can protect their workforce and reduce the risk of costly legal actions.

Legal Implications and Industry Impact

Setting Precedents for Railroad Safety Standards

FELA lawsuits such as this one have far-reaching implications for the railroad industry:

• Corporate Responsibility: Demonstrating that large carriers must maintain safety as a primary operational concern.
• Management Accountability: Highlighting how operational decisions directly impact worker safety.
• Safety Over Efficiency: Emphasizing that production priorities cannot override safety considerations.

A ruling in favor of the injured worker could lead to industry-wide improvements in communication systems, collision-prevention technologies, and worker protection policies.

Our commitment at Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm is to not only secure justice for individual clients but also to contribute to the ongoing improvement of railroad safety practices through advocacy and legal action.

Protecting Your Rights as a Railroad Worker

Proactive Steps for Railroad Employees

If you work in the railroad industry, understanding your rights and taking proactive measures is essential:

• Know Your Legal Protections: Understand the time limits for filing FELA claims and your right to report safety violations without retaliation.
• Document Safety Concerns: Formally notify supervisors of any safety concerns in writing when possible.
• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Report injuries immediately and seek prompt medical care.
• Consult a Specialized FELA Attorney: Given the complexities of railroad injury law, get expert legal advice.

Due to the injuries suffered in the crash, the client has lost his ability to earn a living and has endured ongoing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. If you’ve experienced similar circumstances, the experienced team at Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm is here to help.

Call to Action

Don’t face the challenges of railroad injury cases alone. The specialized legal knowledge required for FELA claims makes having the right representation essential for protecting your rights.

Contact our experienced railroad injury lawyers today at (888) 571-1001 for a free, confidential consultation about your case.

Our team at Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm is standing by to help you understand your rights and options under FELA. We’re committed to fighting for justice for railroad workers and their families, ensuring that those responsible for negligence are held accountable.