If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a railroad accident, you’re likely facing physical pain, financial stress, and a lot of unanswered questions. Who is responsible? How do you get compensated? Who’s actually on your side?
At Daly & Black, our Houston railroad accident lawyers fight relentlessly to uncover the truth and pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to. Whether you were a passenger, bystander, or railroad employee, we go ALL IN. ALL THE TIME. for you and your family.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward recovery.
Texas Leads the Nation in Railroad Accidents
The Lone Star State remains a hotspot for train-related incidents. According to 2024 data from the Federal Railroad Administration cited by Operation Lifesaver:
- Texas recorded the highest number of highway–rail grade crossing collisions (283 incidents)
- 81 people were injured in these accidents
- 20 fatalities occurred as a result of those collisions
These numbers highlight the serious risks that railroad operations pose in and around Houston. Whether at crossings, on the job, or as passengers, Texans are at high risk of being harmed by negligent rail operations.
This makes experienced legal representation not just valuable, but essential.
Types of Railroad and Train Accidents We Handle
Train accidents are often catastrophic, and they’re rarely “accidents.” Most can be traced back to preventable errors, negligence, or safety violations. At Daly & Black, we represent clients in a wide range of railroad-related incidents, including:
Train Derailments
Sudden derailments can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, especially when trains are traveling at high speeds or carrying hazardous cargo.
Collisions with Vehicles or Pedestrians
Many train accidents occur at railroad crossings, where poor signage, malfunctioning gates, or operator error may cause devastating crashes.
Onboard Passenger Injuries
Slips, trips, and falls due to unsafe conditions on trains or platforms are often caused by poor maintenance or failure to warn of hazards. These incidents can result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.
Accidents Involving Hazardous Materials
When trains transport flammable or toxic substances, accidents can cause fires, explosions, or long-term environmental harm.
Railroad Worker Injuries (FELA Claims)
Railroad employees are not covered by traditional workers’ comp. Instead, they must file claims under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)—a process we know inside and out.
Fatal Train Accidents
We represent families in wrongful death claims after tragic losses caused by train crashes, derailments, or operational negligence.
FELA Also Covers Work-Related Illness and Retired Railroad Workers
Not all railroad injuries happen in a single moment. Many railroad workers develop serious illnesses after years of exposure to toxic substances like diesel exhaust, welding fumes, silica dust, creosote, and industrial solvents. These cases fall under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)—a powerful law that allows injured workers to pursue compensation for illnesses caused by unsafe working conditions.
At Daly & Black, our train accident lawyers represent current and former railroad employees in FELA claims involving long-term occupational exposure. These claims often involve diagnoses such as:
- Lung cancer
- Throat or esophageal cancer
- Bladder, kidney, or colon cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Pulmonary fibrosis
Even if you’ve retired, you may still be eligible. FELA applies to retired railroad workers who develop illnesses years after their last day on the job, as long as symptoms can be traced back to negligence or exposure during employment.
FELA covers workers employed by large Class I carriers like Union Pacific, BNSF, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, as well as employees of short-line railroads engaged in interstate commerce. The law holds railroad companies liable for any “injury or death resulting in whole or in part from the negligence” of the carrier or its unsafe equipment and work conditions.
If you’re a current or retired railroad employee facing a serious diagnosis, speak to a Houston railroad accident lawyer at Daly & Black.
We can help you file a FELA claim and fight for compensation that includes past and future lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering.
How Long Do You Have to File a FELA Claim?
Timing is critical in FELA claims. The law gives injured railroad workers and retirees three years from the date they knew, or reasonably should have known, that their injury or illness was caused by railroad-related work. This applies to both traumatic injuries and long-term occupational illnesses.
For example, if a retired worker is diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024 but only discovers in 2025 that it may be tied to diesel exposure while working for a railroad, the clock starts when that connection is made, not necessarily on the date of diagnosis.
Waiting too long can jeopardize your entire case. That’s why it’s essential to speak with a Houston railroad accident lawyer at Daly & Black as soon as you suspect a work-related injury or illness.
We’ll help you understand the statute of limitations and move quickly to protect your rights.
Who Investigates Railroad Accidents in Texas?
Following a serious railroad accident, multiple agencies may be involved in the investigation.
These include:
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
The FRA is a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation responsible for enforcing rail safety regulations, inspecting infrastructure, and ensuring railroad companies adhere to federal safety standards.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The NTSB is an independent federal agency that investigates significant train accidents. Its findings help determine causes and improve nationwide safety practices, but it doesn’t represent victims.
Local or State Authorities
Local police, fire departments, and emergency services are often the first to respond. They assist with securing the scene, helping victims, and creating initial reports that may be useful in future claims.
These investigations are not always conducted with your best interests in mind. That’s why you need your own legal team digging for evidence, interviewing witnesses, and holding the right parties accountable. Daly & Black leave no stone unturned.
Common Causes of Train Accidents
We’ve found that most train accidents share a common theme—negligence.
Common causes include:
- Faulty track maintenance
- Operator fatigue or inattention
- Mechanical failures
- Malfunctioning signals or gates
- Speeding or braking issues
- Inadequate crew training or staffing
Every detail matters, and identifying the cause is key to building a strong liability case.
What to Do After a Train Accident in Houston
Taking the right steps after a train accident can make or break your case. Here’s what we recommend:
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel okay, some injuries take time to appear. Documentation is key.
Report the Accident
Notify the train conductor, railway staff, or your supervisor if you’re an employee. Make sure there’s an official record.
Document the Scene
Take photos, gather witness contact info, and write down what happened while it’s still fresh.
Don’t Talk to Insurers Alone
Railroad insurance reps are trained to protect the company, not you. Don’t sign anything without legal review.
Call Daly & Black
The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of protecting your rights and building a strong case.
The Daly & Black Difference
Daly & Black isn’t just another law firm. We’re your strategic weapon in a system stacked against the injured.
Relentless Litigation Experience
We don’t back down from powerful railroad companies or the complexities of federal law. Our team thrives in high-stakes litigation and has the courtroom experience to match the scale of your case.
Recognized Authority
Daly & Black has earned national recognition, including Super Lawyers honors and being named Insurance Litigation Firm of the Year. Our track record speaks to the trust we’ve built within the legal community and among our clients.
Aggressive + Compassionate Representation
We fight hard where it counts—in the courtroom and at the negotiating table—while making sure you’re supported and informed every step of the way. Our approach balances tenacity with empathy.
Nationwide Reach, Local Roots
With offices in both Texas and Louisiana, we serve clients across the country while maintaining a deep understanding of local laws and regional rail operations. We bring national power with a local touch.
When you hire us, you get a firm that’s ALL IN. ALL THE TIME.
FAQ
Who is liable in a railroad accident in Houston?
Liability depends on the circumstances. In most cases, it could include the railroad company, a third-party maintenance provider, an equipment manufacturer, or even a government agency if public transit is involved. Our legal team investigates every angle to identify who should be held accountable.
What should I do after being involved in a train accident?
Get medical help, report the incident, document the scene, and speak with a lawyer before giving any statements. Every step you take can impact your ability to recover compensation.
Can railroad employees file injury claims under FELA?
Yes. FELA allows railroad workers to sue their employers for negligence-related injuries. Unlike workers’ comp, you must prove fault, but the compensation can be much more substantial.
Injured in a Houston Train Accident? Here’s How We Can Help.
Train accidents can result in devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Daly & Black, our Houston railroad accident lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options and take action.
Schedule your free consultation today to discuss your potential claim with our team.
We’re ready to take on the railroad companies, uncover the evidence, and pursue every dollar the law allows you to claim.