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A New York Railroad Lawyer Looks at Switching Accident Causes and Recoveries

In 1998, the Switching Operations Fatality Analysis Working Group (SOFA) was established and charged with decreasing switching-related fatalities for train and engine service employees. In the decade and a half that SOFA has been working, the group has identified common causes of fatal railroad switching accidents.

Of the five original causes, or problems, identified in 1999, two remain unfixed. At least an additional three have also been identified. If your loved one has been killed in a railroad switching accident, then it is important to contact a New York railroad lawyer who can help you find out why the accident occurred and get you the recovery you deserve.

Causes of Railroad Switching Problems Then and Now

In 1999, SOFA identified the following primary causes of railroad switching accidents and recommended the following actions to prevent future accidents:

  • Action 1: Secure equipment before action is taken
  • Action 2: Protect employees from moving equipment
  • Action 3: Discuss safety at the beginning of the job and when any substantial changes occur
  • Action 4: Communicate before action is taken
  • Action 5: Mentor less experienced about safety precautions

These actions were widely implemented in the railroad industry and had mixed results. In 2010, SOFA reported that actions related to:

  • Action 1 resulted in 60% fewer fatalities
  • Action 2 resulted in 70% fewer fatalities
  • Action 3 had no substantial impact on decreasing fatalities
  • Action 4 resulted in 80% fewer fatalities
  • Action 5 had no substantial impact on decreasing fatalities

In 2011, SOFA also identified new potential causes of switching accidents including:

  • Close or no clearance
  • Struck by main track trains
  • Industrial switching dangers

Why You Should Contact a New York Railroad Lawyer After an Accident

It can be difficult to understand why your loved one died. You weren’t there, and the explanation provided by the railroad company may be incomplete or confusing. You deserve to know what caused your loved one’s death and an experienced New York railroad accident lawyer can help you find out what really happened.

An experienced New York railroad attorney can also help you get the recovery that you deserve. For more information and to speak with a New York train accident attorney directly, please call 1-800-362-9329 today.

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