Railroad Worker Electrocution Injury: Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm File Lawsuit Against Union Pacific Railroad Company for Workplace Negligence

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and The Youngdahl Firm have filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad Company on behalf of their client, a longtime railroad worker, under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA). The lawsuit, filed in Harris County, Texas, alleges that Union Pacific’s negligence resulted in a workplace incident that caused the client severe physical and emotional injuries that could have been prevented with proper maintenance and safety protocols.

Overview of the Locomotive Electrocution Case

The Incident: An Avoidable Electrical Hazard

On August 21, 2024, while working as an engineer in Hockley, Texas, the client was using the restroom on a locomotive engine when an unsecured and improperly maintained electrified wire fell from above. The live wire contacted the metallic surfaces of the toilet, causing a severe electric shock to the client’s genitals. As a result, the client sustained injuries to his reproductive organs, kidneys, and legs, along with lasting mental trauma due to the painful and unexpected nature of the incident.

The lawsuit contends that Union Pacific Railroad Company failed to ensure a safe working environment by neglecting its duty to maintain electrical systems within the locomotive—a fundamental requirement under both FELA and the more specific Locomotive Inspection Act.

Critical Failures Identified in the Legal Filing

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

• Improper Wire Securing: The electrified wire that caused the injury was inadequately secured in violation of safety standards.
• Insufficient Insulation: The electrical components lacked proper insulation required by industry standards and federal regulations.
• Locomotive Inspection Act Violations: The complaint alleges specific violations of the LIA, which requires railroads to maintain locomotives and all parts in proper condition and safe to operate.

Post-Incident Employer Conduct

Instead of taking responsibility for the unsafe conditions that led to this injury, Union Pacific wrongfully terminated the client’s employment after more than 30 years of dedicated service. The lawsuit suggests this termination represents retaliatory action against an injured employee, potentially compounding the company’s liability under worker protection laws.

For more information on similar cases, please visit our Railroad Injury Claims page.

Understanding FELA, LIA, and Railroad Worker Rights

Federal Employers’ Liability Act and Locomotive Inspection Act Protection

Railroad workers are protected by specific federal laws designed to address the unique hazards of railroad work:

Key Elements of FELA Protection

• Negligence-Based Recovery: FELA requires proving employer negligence but offers more comprehensive compensation than workers’ compensation systems.
• Broader Scope of Damages: FELA allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages not typically available under workers’ compensation.

Additional Protections Under the Locomotive Inspection Act

The LIA provides even stronger protections for incidents involving locomotive equipment:

• Absolute Liability Standard: Unlike the negligence standard under FELA, the LIA imposes absolute liability when a railroad violates the Act.
• Equipment Safety Requirements: The LIA requires that “a locomotive and all its parts and appurtenances must be in proper condition and safe to operate without unnecessary danger of personal injury.”

This case potentially involves violations of both FELA and the more specific LIA, potentially strengthening the client’s legal position.

Legal Consequences and Damages

As a result of Union Pacific’s alleged negligence and LIA violations, the client is seeking damages for:

• Medical Expenses: Both current and anticipated future medical care.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for inability to work and reduced future earnings.
• Physical Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical trauma experienced.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological impact, including anxiety and trauma.
• Permanent Impairment: Damages for lasting physical limitations and impact on quality of life.

The lawsuit also raises serious concerns about the client’s termination following three decades of service, which may constitute illegal retaliation for reporting an injury.

For more detailed information on legal protections for railroad workers, check out our FELA Claims section.

Critical Safety Protocols for Locomotive Electrical Systems

This case highlights the critical need for rigorous safety protocols regarding locomotive electrical systems:

• Regular Electrical Inspections: Comprehensive examination of all electrical components, especially in areas where water or moisture is present.
• Secure Wiring Practices: Proper securing of all electrical wires with appropriate fasteners and routing to prevent contact with personnel.
• Grounding and Bonding: Adequate grounding of metallic components to prevent electrical current transfer to unexpected surfaces.

Railroad companies that neglect these responsibilities not only endanger their workers but also expose themselves to significant legal liabilities under the strict standards of the LIA.

Protecting Your Rights as a Railroad Worker

If you work in the railroad industry and have experienced an injury:

• Report the Incident Immediately: Document the injury and unsafe condition according to company policy.
• Seek Medical Attention: Obtain thorough medical evaluation and treatment.
• Document Everything: Take photos of hazardous conditions when possible and safe to do so.
• Consult Specialized Legal Counsel: Contact attorneys experienced in railroad injury cases before giving formal statements.

Due to the injuries suffered in this incident, the client now faces significant medical challenges, lasting pain, and the devastating loss of a 30-year career. 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 and LIA 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 committed to fighting for justice for railroad workers and their families, ensuring that those responsible for negligence are held accountable.