FELA Lawsuit Lawyer

Railroad Workers May Suffer Hearing Loss

Railroad workers are often exposed to harsh conditions that can take a toll on their health over many years. The Federal Employers Liability Act was passed by Congress in 1908 to protect railroad workers from injuries that they may have suffered as a result of the actions of a negligent employer. In order to be eligible for compensation, the injured employee must prove that their employer’s negligence is to blame for their injuries. According to the FELA, railroad employers are responsible to ensure the safety of their employees and required to comply with noise level standards established by the government.

While the government has been concerned with the hearing loss of railroad workers for some time, it was not until 1980 that the government passed hearing loss prevention safety standards for the railroad industry. Railroad workers are subjected to very loud noise levels for extensive time periods, often leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss. This is especially true for workers who work outside of the locomotive cab or in conditions that do not pass the new noise level standards.

In 2004, these standards were revised to reduce the risk of hearing loss even more aggressively. Noise level limitations and mandatory noise monitoring were put into place, as well as a hearing conservation program for railroad workers at high risk of hearing loss. Government officials hoped that these new regulations would help railroad employers monitor and prevent further hearing loss in their employees. The hearing loss of a railroad worker is a preventable injury, so employers can be found liable if you have suffered any hearing loss due to their negligent actions or failure to uphold the new regulations set by the government.

If you have temporarily or permanently lost your hearing due to the negligent actions of your employer, contact the FELA Lawsuit Lawyers of Williams Kherkher today to schedule a free initial consultation. The FELA Lawyers have been representing injured railroad workers for many years and will be able to help guide you through the complex legal system. Schedule your consultation by calling 800-220-9341.