With more than 4,300 miles worth of railroads running through Minnesota, railroad accidents are not a rarity, and the Mankato Subdivision of the Union Pacific Railroad is no exception. If you have been hurt in a railroad accident, you may be entitled to compensation.

Seeking damages in Mankato railroad accidents may not be as straightforward as in regular vehicle crashes. You may need to go up against the Union Pacific Railroad. You can benefit from hiring an experienced railroad injury attorney from Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz Law Firm.

Common Causes of Railroad Accidents

Several actions can lead to railroad incidents, including the following:

Human Error

This includes mistakes, such as improper signaling or miscommunication, by train operators, conductors, or other personnel that can lead to collisions.

Track Defects

Damaged or poorly maintained tracks that cause derailments can often lead to injuries.

Mechanical Failures

This includes equipment malfunctions, such as brake failures or engine problems.

Speeding

Trains traveling at excessive speeds can cause the risk of derailments and collisions, especially in urban areas.

Signal Malfunctions

These are faulty signals that misguide trains, causing collisions with other trains or vehicles.

Obstructions on Tracks

This includes objects like vehicles, debris, or fallen trees on the tracks that cause a train to collide.

Weather Conditions

Extreme weather like heavy rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and lead to track friction.

Damages in Mankato railroad collisions can be significant. The injured person may be able to collect compensation if the injured party’s attorney can prove the railroad owner’s negligence.

Damages to Collect in Railroad Accidents

If the person sustains injuries during a railroad accident in Mankato, they may be able to recover several types of damages.

Medical Expenses

This is compensation for current and future medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident. Such expenses can include surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medications.

Lost Wages

If the person has to miss work while recovering from injuries sustained in a railroad accident, they may be able to receive compensation for their lost wages. This may also include any future loss of earning capacity when injuries lead to long-term disability.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering, also called non-economic damages, are physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of the accident. This can also include disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Wrongful Death

If a person dies in a railroad accident, their loved ones, or next of kin, can also seek compensation. Wrongful death damages may include loss of economic support and loss of companionship.

A Mankato Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages From Your Railroad Accident Today

You may be able to seek compensation if you have been hurt in a railroad accident. While you are recovering from your injuries, consider delegating the legal work to a personal injury attorney.

At Maschka, Riedy, Ries & Frentz Law Firm, we have a team of local attorneys who understand how to fight to recover damages in Mankato railroad accidents. Please contact us at any time to schedule a consultation meeting.