Workplace Slip and Fall: Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and Sara Youngdahl of The Youngdahl Law Firm, P.C. File Lawsuit Against Union Pacific Railroad

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and Sara Youngdahl of The Youngdahl Law Firm, P.C. have filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad Company on behalf of their client, a longtime railroad conductor, under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and for OSHA violations. The lawsuit, filed in Sweetwater County, Wyoming, alleges that Union Pacific failed to provide a safe working environment, leading to a preventable injury that has significantly impacted their client’s life and career.

This case highlights a fundamental aspect of railroad safety—the obligation to maintain safe walking surfaces for employees. While the focus often centers on train operations, railroad companies must also ensure that workers can safely navigate yards, platforms, and parking lots without risk of injury.

Background of the Case

A 17-Year Veteran’s Preventable Injury

The client worked for Union Pacific for 17 years and was assigned to the company’s yard in Green River, Wyoming. While walking through the parking lot toward the yard office, the client slipped on an icy surface and suffered serious injuries to his left ankle and body.

The lawsuit asserts that Union Pacific failed to maintain safe working conditions by not properly addressing hazardous icy surfaces, despite the company’s obligation to do so under FELA and federal safety regulations. Wyoming’s harsh winter conditions make ice management essential for worker safety.

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

Union Pacific’s Alleged Negligence

FELA and OSHA Safety Requirements

Under FELA, railroad companies must provide a reasonably safe workplace. The lawsuit alleges that Union Pacific failed by:

• Failing to provide a safe work environment free of known hazards, particularly ice accumulation
• Failing to maintain safe walking surfaces and prevent ice accumulation despite foreseeable winter conditions
• Failing to warn employees of dangerous conditions in the parking lot
• Violating OSHA regulations regarding workplace safety, including requirements for walking-working surfaces

Winter Weather Safety Obligations

Railroad companies operating in winter climates have specific responsibilities:

• Ice and snow removal on walking surfaces
• Application of salt, sand, or other anti-slip materials
• Adequate lighting in parking areas
• Warning signs for hazardous conditions

The lawsuit contends that Union Pacific failed to implement these basic safety measures, creating an unreasonably dangerous condition for employees.

Understanding FELA and Worker Rights

FELA vs. Workers’ Compensation

Unlike most workers covered by state workers’ compensation, railroad employees are protected by FELA:

• Negligence-Based System: FELA requires proving employer negligence, but even slight negligence suffices
• Comparative Negligence: Workers can recover even if partially at fault
• Broader Damage Recovery: FELA allows recovery for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and full wage loss
• No Damage Caps: Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA doesn’t impose arbitrary recovery limits

OSHA Compliance Standards

The lawsuit also alleges violations of OSHA regulations, including:

• 29 CFR 1910.22: Requirements for maintaining walking-working surfaces free from hazards
• Winter Weather Protocols: Specific guidelines for ice and snow management
• Documentation Requirements: Maintaining records of safety inspections

For more on FELA protections, check our FELA Claims section.

Impact of the Injury

Physical and Financial Consequences

As a result of Union Pacific’s alleged negligence, the client has suffered:

• Ongoing Physical Pain: Ankle injuries can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues
• Loss of Income: Inability to work as a conductor due to physical limitations
• Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, surgery, and physical therapy
• Career Disruption: Potential inability to continue in physically demanding railroad work

Long-Term Effects for Railroad Workers

Ankle injuries have particularly severe consequences for railroad workers due to:

• Job requirements to walk on ballast and climb equipment
• Need to navigate uneven surfaces and moving equipment
• Safety requirements that demand full mobility
• Limited options for modified duty positions

The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, physical impairment, and other damages.

Establishing Liability in Slip and Fall Cases

Proving Negligence Under FELA

To establish Union Pacific’s liability, the lawsuit must demonstrate:

• The railroad had a duty to maintain safe premises
• Union Pacific failed to address known or foreseeable hazards
• This failure directly caused the client’s injury
• The client suffered actual damages

Key evidence in slip and fall cases often includes weather reports, maintenance records, witness testimony, and documentation of company ice removal policies.

Protecting Your Rights After a Railroad Injury

Important Steps for Injured Workers

If you’re injured while working for a railroad:

• Report Immediately: Notify your supervisor and file an injury report
• Document Conditions: Photograph hazards if possible
• Seek Medical Attention: Get proper evaluation and follow treatment plans
• Preserve Evidence: Keep all injury-related documentation
• Know Your Rights: You’re protected from retaliation for filing claims

Railroad workers should understand they have three years to file a FELA claim and the right to choose their own doctor.

For more information on protecting your rights, visit our Railroad Worker Rights page.

Fighting for Injured Railroad Workers

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and Sara Youngdahl of The Youngdahl Law Firm, P.C. are committed to holding railroad companies accountable for failing to protect their employees. We understand that even seemingly simple injuries like slips and falls can profoundly impact railroad workers’ lives and careers.

A 17-year career shouldn’t end because an employer failed to salt an icy parking lot. Our experienced attorneys fight to ensure injured workers receive fair compensation for preventable injuries caused by employer negligence.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury while working for a railroad—whether from a slip and fall, equipment failure, or any other cause—you may have a claim under FELA.

Contact our experienced railroad injury lawyers today at (888) 571-1001 for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.

Doyle Dennis Avery LLP and Sara Youngdahl of The Youngdahl Law Firm, P.C. have the knowledge and experience to navigate FELA claims and fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that workplace injuries take on railroad workers and their families.