Train & Railroad Accidents Lawyers
Railroad crossing collisions, derailments and worker injuries.
Train & Railroad Accidents claims in Pennsylvania
Railroad cases are governed by a distinct body of federal law. Crossing collisions raise questions about signals, sight lines and warning devices, while injured railroad workers bring claims under FELA rather than workers' compensation.
Evidence including event recorders and signal maintenance records is controlled by the railroad, so early preservation requests matter.
Free case review — tell us what happened and we'll take it from there.Why families bring these cases to Munley Law
Munley Law has represented injured people and their families from its Scranton base since 1959. The attorneys listed below handle this type of case, and the results shown are published matters the firm has reported.
“She and everyone I came into contact with in her firm handled my case with the utmost professionalism, as well as true empathy for my situation, while not missing a detail about the facts of the case… She is a great person and an awesome attorney! She will fight for you!”
Common causes
Crossing signal and gate failures
Malfunctioning or absent warning devices at grade crossings.
Obstructed sight lines
Vegetation, parked equipment or structures blocking the view of approaching trains.
Track and equipment maintenance
Defects contributing to derailments and worker injuries.
Operating errors
Speed, signal compliance and crew fatigue.
Injuries frequently seen in these cases
- Catastrophic crush injuries and amputation
- Traumatic brain and spinal cord injury
- Burn injuries in derailment and hazardous cargo incidents
- Fatal injuries
Who may be responsible
Responsibility depends entirely on the facts, and no one can determine it from a web page. These are the parties whose conduct is typically examined.
The railroad
Operations, maintenance, crew supervision and crossing safety.
A contractor
Signal, track or equipment work performed for the railroad.
A government road authority
Roadway approach design and signage at the crossing.
Damages that may be recoverable
What a claim may include depends on the injuries, the available insurance and the evidence. Nothing here is a prediction of value.
- Medical treatment already received, from the emergency room through rehabilitation
- Future medical care and therapy a physician expects will be needed
- Wages lost while unable to work, and reduced earning capacity in longer-term cases
- Property damage, out-of-pocket costs and travel to treatment
- Pain, suffering and loss of life's pleasures where the law allows it
Steps that protect a claim
- Get medical attention, even if the injuries seem minor at first
- Report what happened and ask how to obtain a copy of the official report
- Photograph the scene, the vehicles or the hazard, and your visible injuries
- Collect names and phone numbers for anyone who saw what happened
- Keep every bill, record and piece of correspondence in one place
- Be careful giving a recorded statement before you understand your own injuries
Frequently asked questions
What is FELA?
The Federal Employers' Liability Act is the framework for railroad worker injury claims. Unlike workers' compensation, it requires proof of the railroad's negligence, but it can allow broader damages.
Does federal law affect crossing claims?
Yes. Federal regulation of warning devices and train speed can limit some state-law arguments, which makes the specific facts about the crossing important.
How long do railroad claims take?
They are typically document-heavy and slower than a routine motor vehicle case, because the records and experts involved are specialized.
Question not answered here? Ask Robert — Munley's virtual intake assistant answers common train & railroad accidents questions 24/7.
Related guides, tools and pages
Related practice areas
Where we serve
Munley Law represents clients across Pennsylvania. See the areas we serve for local courts, hospitals and roads, or browse the free tools.
This page is general information about this type of case. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Last reviewed 2026-09-01.
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