Applying for Workers’ Comp as a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Railroad signalmen are a silent, strong workforce necessary to keeping the United States rail system working smoothly and accurately. Unfortunately, with the job comes some expected (and some unexpected) hazards that have the potential to cause injury. If you are a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and were recently injured in a work accident, then you may qualify for compensation for your medical bills. Continue below to learn your union and some simple paperwork may help you be eligible for workers’ comp. The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Like most labor unions, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) was founded in 1901 when workers began standing up for better working conditions and wages. At the time, railroads were a vital cornerstone of American society as the only means of reliable, long-distance transportation for goods. Today, rail systems from across the country, from traditional railroads to metro systems to commuter rails, still rely on the work of railroad signal-men. To make sure these 12,000 maintenance men and builders still receive fair wages, working hours, and benefits, BRS remains at their side. Potential Injuries Members of BRS can have a variety of different duties. Some are in charge of installing and maintaining signal equipment, while others are the builders of the equipment themselves. Depending on the nature of the work, differ-ent hazards have the potential of causing injury. While building: Workers who build railroad signal equipment work with large equipment, sharp tools, and hot and/or bulky materials. From the frame of the signal itself to the technology within it, there are multiple steps of the process which can causes accidents. Cuts, broken bones, or concussions can be caused by falling or mishandled equipment, and burns can be caused by electrical wiring or heated metal. During maintenance/installation: Signal workers must be especially careful when on the rails installing or fixing signals. For those working near electric rail systems, occasional mishaps can leave workers zapped or shocked into a dangerous fall. Falling signals or heavy maintenance equipment can cause a variety of internal and external injuries as well. Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Preparing a Workers’ Compensation Claim If your injuries resulted in medical bills and/or missed work, then it is worth the trouble to file a workers’ compensation claim. Though this may sound intimidating, it’s quite simple with a little preparation and through communication with your union. Start by gathering everything you know about the accident. Write down everything you remember about the incident, from the moments before to the injury-causing event itself. This personal statement will be vital when communicating the nature of your injury to your employer. If you can, try to get pictures of the scene, statements from other coworkers, or any other evidence to support your claim. Next, make copies of all medical documents pertaining to the incident. Test results and doctor’s notes can help your employer understand the severity of your injury, while bills will help your employer understand what charges need compensation. Finally, before writing your claim, speak with a BRS representative who can help you get started. Depending on the union’s relationship with your employer, there may be different work required to file your claim. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Workers’ compensation attorneys are a wise resource to take advantage of during this process. While some workers’ comp claims are straightforward, even these can involve paperwork and legal negotiations that can be difficult to navigate, even with the help of BRS. If you’re unsure whether or not an attorney may be right for you, consider a free consultation with an attorney in your area. 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.*
