Railroad workers were once a cornerstone of the American labor force, allowing the transportation of goods across state lines that would otherwise be impossible to send. Nowadays, although the work force is much smaller, members of the American Train Dispatchers Association (or Train Dispatchers) work to keep America’s railroads and commuter rails in working order. Unfortunately, with every job comes a risk of potential injury. This is especially true with physical labor jobs like those of railroad workers. However, if you were injured while on the job as a Train Dispatcher, then there are resources available to you. You may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills through workers’ comp. American Train Dispatchers Association Since its beginnings in Spokane, WA in 1917, ATDA has seen a decline in membership due to the introduction of other transportation methods. However, it still holds a collective bargaining agreement with 20 rail companies across the US, including Amtrak, the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad, the Staten Island Railway, and the Metra. The union’s nearly 3,000 members represent all positions within the rail system, from dispatchers and mechanics to trainmen and general rail employees. Potential Injuries Railroads are historically famous for requiring a lot of upkeep. Though the Train Dispatchers is a smaller union than most, the majority of its members are some of the hardest workers there are. One of the main reasons this work is so tough is due to the number of hazards encountered on the job. The heavy machinery and tools required to keep the engine, tracks, and train body in shape can cause lacerations, blunt force trauma, burns, or even broken bones if used incorrectly. Weather can also be a factor, with extreme heat in the engine or on the track having the potential to give workers heat stroke or cause fainting. Those with less physically-demanding rail jobs can also receive other unexpected injuries, such as slip-and-falls on spilled cleaning liquid, trips over baggage or in the crowded aisle ways, or accidental falls off of the platform. Preparing for Your Claim After your accident, you will need to prepare a written workers’ comp demand letter to send to your employer. Before composing your letter, be sure to talk to an ATDA representative to see how your union’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) addresses workers’ comp with your employer. However, regardless of process, your workers’ compensation claim should always include these three things: 1. A personal statement. This statement should include everything you know about the accident. Explain what you were doing beforehand, where you were when the accident occurred, what happened, how it happened, and what occurred afterwards. The more details you can provide, the better. 2. Supporting evidence. Even a strong personal statement will be difficult to validate without evidence. Start by taking photographs of the accident site, preferably as close to the event as possible. Also take photographs of any injuries or involved machinery or tools. Finally, try to get personal statements from anyone else who witnessed the accident, such as a coworker or train passenger. 3. Medical information. Medical information will both a) inform your employer of your official diagnosis after the accident, and b) let your employer see how much you will be requesting in compensation. Considering a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Because ATDA is a rather small union, it is unlikely that they will have much experience with official workers’ comp claims. To get professional assistance with your claim, it may be best to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney. They can handle the legal process and negotiation with your employer in your place, reducing the stress of tackling your claim by yourself. And, statistically, those who hire attorneys are far more likely to receive proper compensation for their accidents. Consider a free consultation with a workers’ comp attorney near you before starting your claim. Additional Resources I Got Hurt Working on the Railroad. What Do I Do? Workers' Compensation Resources Disclaimer: The content of this article is purely informative and should not be construed as official legal advice. If you file a claim against your employer or another party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.*
