Helping Victims of Train Accidents Caused by Negligence
A Philadelphia train accident instantly changes your life, whether you were riding the train, riding a bicycle, walking, or driving. The impact is typically violent, resulting in traumatic injuries and, in some cases, death.
Train accidents are generally preventable with safety measures, operator training, and train maintenance. It takes just one faulty train or negligent operator to change your life instantly.
At The Cochran Firm, we put our experience to work for train accident victims. By identifying all parties liable for your harm, we build a strong case for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us?
With more than 50 years of serving the Philadelphia community, The Cochran Firm takes great pride in supporting accident victims during the most challenging times of their lives. Having a member of The Cochran Firm on your side can comfort you, as your case is in good and highly qualified hands.
Attorney Robert S. Miller is a member of The Cochran Firm who brings experience, compassion, and dedication to every client. Mr. Miller has extensive experience helping victims of negligence pursue accountability and compensation.
If you suffered severe, life-changing injuries or lost a close loved one due to a Philadelphia train accident, The Cochran Firm attorney Robert S. Miller stands ready to represent you. A free case consultation is an essential first step in determining your path forward.
Train injuries are life-altering and unfair. The Cochran Firm can help you fight for compensation for your considerable damages.
Philadelphia Trains
Various trains service the city, providing commuters and visitors with transportation and delivering or receiving goods and materials. The following are among the most commonly seen types of trains in Philadelphia:
- Septa: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Septa) is a popular form of travel in and around the city that includes a rail system.
- Amtrak: The 30th Street Station is Amtrak’s central station in the city, delivering and receiving passengers at this national transportation landmark.
- CSX and Norfolk Southern: These two railroads service the Port of Philadelphia, with Norfolk Southern providing double-stacked intermodal service between Philadelphia and major midwestern destinations.
Whether your Philadelphia train accident occurred at a train crossing, as a passenger, or in any other manner, a train accident lawyer can help you.
Your lawyer can investigate and review the details of your train accident. According to data from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the following are among the most common causes of train accidents:
- Human error: distracted, unqualified, or otherwise negligent
- Track issues: damaged rails in need of repair
- Signal or other equipment failures: malfunctioning crossing lights or bars
Your or your loved one’s painful injuries allow you no time to manage your case alone. Upon carefully reviewing the evidence, your lawyer can identify all parties responsible for your damages.
You can help your lawyer by sharing any evidence in your possession. A type of evidence that is generally helpful is the contact information for witnesses. It is essential to provide this information quickly, as witnesses move or forget important information.
Types of Serious Injuries Possible in a Philadelphia Train Accident
Train passengers, motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians face severe — and possibly permanent — injuries in a train accident. Traumatic injuries can include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Traumatic brain injury: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as trauma that disrupts normal brain function. A severe TBI can profoundly change an accident victim’s life, sometimes requiring them to relearn basic life skills.
- Spinal cord injury: Damage to the spinal cord results in reduced or lost function in movement and sensation. A power wheelchair and home modifications for such a chair are expensive, with chair replacement necessary throughout a patient’s lifetime.
- Multiple bone fractures: The violent impact of a train accident can leave victims with more than a broken arm. Multiple fractures and some types of fracture typically require a lengthy recovery, surgeries, and physical therapy.
- Internal injuries: An internal injury may exhibit no outward signs or symptoms, making immediate medical care vital for survival. Without a proper medical diagnosis, internal bleeding can result in organ damage and eventual death.
- Burns: Severe burns from an explosion or fire can require treatment at a specialized burn center. Treatment sometimes includes skin grafts and plastic surgery.
One significant and unjust outcome of severe train accident injuries is the cost of medical care that victims face. When combined with stress about reduced or lost income, Philadelphia train accident victims can understandably feel overwhelmed and anxious.
Severe injuries can require weeks or months in a hospital or trauma setting. Some patients, like those with a severe TBI, may require extensive, around-the-clock care. The cost of a skilled nursing facility is thousands of dollars in monthly costs.
Negligence is at the core of civil cases involving train accidents and victim damages. A Philadelphia train accident lawyer puts their skills and experience to work helping those harmed by the careless actions of others.
If your Philadelphia train accident occurred due to operator, track, or equipment negligence, get help today. A free case consultation can help you learn whether you have a case and, if so, how to proceed with a civil claim and lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
A train accident is a traumatic event that can leave you unsure of your next step. Many accident victims face uncertainty and have the same questions as you. Here are a few of the frequently asked questions our team hears most:
What Types of Negligence may be Responsible for a Philadelphia Train Accident?
Examples of negligence that can lead to a train accident are operating the train while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to replace signals known to be faulty, and failure to repair damaged track.
How Can a Philadelphia Train Accident Attorney Help Me?
No accident victim should deal with phone calls, paperwork, and court deadlines during such a difficult time. A Philadelphia train accident attorney can manage your case on your behalf.
What Types of Damages are Possible in a Train Accident Case?
In addition to your medical expenses, your attorney may fight for your lost wages, loss of future earnings, and your pain and suffering. The fight for compensation focuses on the accident’s impact on your overall quality of life.
Can I Settle with a Railroad Company on my Own?
Accepting less than you deserve can leave you without the funds you need later, should your medical condition worsen. A train accident lawyer from The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia can protect your best interests against railroad insurance companies and their attorneys.
I Lost a Loved One in a Train Accident. Can I Sue for Wrongful Death?
Sadly, some train accident injuries are not survivable. If you lost a close loved one, you may want to explore your options for filing a wrongful death claim and lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Philadelphia Train Accident Lawsuit?
Pennsylvania law allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. While most cases settle without going to court, protecting your right to a civil trial requires filing your claim within the required statute of limitations.
Each personal injury case is unique. We understand that you may have questions not listed here. A free case consultation is an excellent opportunity to ask any additional questions.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia serves all its clients with the utmost respect and compassion. We believe that communication is key to strong client relationships. As a result, accident victims pursuing justice with our help never have to wonder about the status of their case.
Railroad Insurance Companies Want to Protect Profits.
The Cochran Firm Wants to Protect You.
Your Philadelphia Train Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies typically use tactics designed to confuse accident victims. The time following a traumatic train accident is no time to make a significant financial decision without the help of an attorney.
An initial settlement offer may seem like a large sum, especially as you face mounting medical costs. However, the amount initially offered is likely to be a low amount compared to the magnitude of your damages and future medical expenses.
Nothing makes an insurance company happier than closing a claim quickly and for the least amount possible. As a victim of negligence, you deserve to fight for a fair settlement. The Cochran Firm wants to help you with your fight.
Our experience includes identifying insurance company tactics and countering them with facts. We believe no one should pay out of pocket for expenses that result due to the negligence of others.
Get the help you need by reaching out to our Philadelphia office today. Time can pass in a blur as you recover from such a traumatic accident. Do not miss your chance to fight for your damages. Contact us as soon as possible so that we can get to work building your case for compensation.
The Long Road of Severe Train Accident Injuries
Trains serve various needs, from personal travel to delivering and receiving freight. Tracks, signals, and properly trained crews are vital for safe train travel.
One train accident caused by negligence can turn your world upside down. Depending upon the severity of your or your loved one’s injuries, you may face an uncertain future.
The immediate and unexpected changes to life as you knew it demand accountability. You may still pursue a civil case if your train accident results in criminal charges. Civil and criminal law are distinctly different, with one having no impact on the other.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia knows Pennsylvania civil law. Helping accident victims pursue justice is our sole focus. We remain dedicated to our clients, from the first consultation to the outcome of their case.
Because each civil case is different, it is essential to note that the outcome of one client may differ from that of a similar one. While compensation is never promised, it is worth fighting for rather than settling for what the insurance company wants to pay.
Rising medical costs make it crucial that you fight for the best possible outcome of your case now. The statute of limitations clock starts ticking the moment you suffer your injuries. Twenty-four months may sound like a long time; however, it can pass quickly as you recover from severe injuries.
Get Help from a Philadelphia Train Accident Attorney Today
Train accidents caused by negligence could generally have been prevented had the railroad company or others used due care. Failure to inspect or repair tracks and equipment, or keeping reckless staff on board, are all forms of negligence.
The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia can help you by taking on railroad companies and their attorneys. We aggressively fight for what our clients need and deserve and do not back down. We are ready and willing to take your case to trial if necessary.
Chances are, life is more difficult for you than before your train accident. While we cannot turn back time, we can work hard on your behalf and stand by you.
The Cochran Law Firm in Philadelphia
If your train injuries are due to negligence, contact The Cochran Firm in Philadelphia for help with your case. Our Philadelphia injury lawyer takes great pride in our ability to serve those who suffer unnecessary harm due to the careless actions of others.
Attorney Robert Miller and his friendly staff are here for you. Knowing someone is on your side during this most challenging time can ease your mind. With strong communication, we keep our clients informed about the status of their cases. We are also happy to answer any questions throughout the process.
Pursuing compensation takes time. While the statute of limitations requires you to act quickly with filing your lawsuit, the legal process is typically slow. A free case consultation is awaiting you. Take action by reaching out to The Cochran Firm as soon as possible. Allow us to handle the details of your case so that you can rest and recover. Call us at 800-969-4400.