If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a train fire or explosion in Montgomery, Alabama, now is the time to call Singleton Schreiber. Many times, these devastating incidents are caused by negligent train operators, rail companies, or equipment failures. You may have the right to hold them accountable for your losses. Our experienced Montgomery personal injury lawyers can help you fight for the maximum possible compensation.
Singleton Schreiber is a nationally respected personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of accident victims and their families. We’re a team of award-winning trial attorneys who’ve been instrumental in winning $3 billion in damages for clients across the country. Now our local Alabama litigators are ready to invest our law firm’s national resources into your train fire or explosion lawsuit to get top results for you, too.
We offer a free consultation, so call our Alabama law office in Montgomery to discuss your train fire or explosion case. We’re available to help 24 hours a day.
What Causes Train Fires and Explosions?
Train fires and explosions are among the most catastrophic types of rail incidents. They can occur due to a variety of preventable causes, often linked to human error, negligence, poor maintenance, or equipment defects.
Some of the leading contributing causes of train fires and explosions in cities like Montgomery include:
- Fuel leaks or ruptured fuel tanks
- Electrical malfunctions
- Overheated breaks or engines
- Improper handling or transport of hazardous materials
- Defective or poorly maintained train components
- Negligent storage of flammable cargo
- Sparks from friction or faulty wiring
- Collisions leading to secondary explosions or fires
- Inadequate fire suppression systems on board
- Failure to follow safety regulations or emergency protocols
Knowing what caused the fire or explosion will be critical as you seek compensation. Our Alabama personal injury attorneys will carefully investigate your case and bring in trusted experts to help us determine the underlying cause(s). When we know why your train fire or explosion happened, we can begin to craft arguments that hold at-fault parties accountable and help you recover compensation for your physical injuries, emotional suffering, and monetary losses.
Who Could Be Liable For My Train Fire or Explosion Injuries?
If someone else caused the train fire or explosion in which you were injured, they can be financially responsible – or liable – for any damages you’ve suffered as a result.
While it will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, potentially liable parties could include:
- Negligent train operators or engineers
- Freight or passenger rail services like CSX or Amtrak
- Maintenance contractors responsible for engine or brake safety
- Companies that manufactured defective fuel, brake, or electrical systems
- Cargo companies transporting flammable or hazardous materials
- Government agencies or property owners responsible for track and train safety
Many times, you can bring a legal claim against multiple parties. For instance, a rail service like Amtrak can be liable for its own negligence (e.g., failing to inspect for fuel leaks or fire hazards) and for the negligence of its operators or staff.
Liability is proportionate to fault. The more a party contributes to a train fire or explosion, the more responsibility they’ll bear for your injuries, costs, and pain and suffering.
Additionally, railroad employees injured in train fires or explosions due to their employer’s negligence may be eligible to file a FELA claim through the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
However, claims involving railroads can be extremely complex. If you have been hurt in a train fire or explosion or believe that you may have a FELA claim, please speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Train Fires and Explosions Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Fires and explosions on trains often result in life-changing injuries due to intense heat, toxic smoke, and forceful impact.
At Singleton Schreiber, we’re here to help you seek compensation for any injuries you’ve suffered in a Montgomery train fire or explosion, including:
- Severe burn injuries
- Smoke inhalation
- Traumatic blast injuries
- Amputation injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis injuries
- Broken bones
- The wrongful death of someone you love
Always seek prompt medical care after a train fire or explosion in or near Montgomery. The sooner you get help, the better. Not only will it reduce the potential risk of avoidable complications or further trauma, but it will also help to establish a causal link between the train fire or explosion and your injuries.
What Compensation Can Be Awarded to Montgomery Train Fire and Explosion Victims?
When you file a train fire or explosion lawsuit in Alabama, you’ll have the ability to request compensatory damages.
There are two types of compensatory awards: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover the objective financial consequences of your train fire or explosion, which can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Rehabilitation
- Personal care assistance
- Property damage
- Expenses paid out of pocket
Non-economic damages acknowledge the harder-to-value pain and suffering you experience, such as:
- Emotional distress
- Chronic physical pain
- Reduced quality of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
- Inconvenience
If you’ve lost a family member in a fatal train fire or explosion in Montgomery, you may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. However, pursuant to Alabama state law, punitive damages are the exclusive remedy in wrongful death claims. As a result, any compensation you recover will be for the purpose of punishing the party responsible for the fatal train fire or explosion, not for covering your financial losses or helping you cope with the trauma of your loved one’s death.
Count on Our Montgomery Train Fire and Explosion Attorneys to Fight For Your Best Interests
Train fire and explosion lawsuits can be complicated and stressful. Don’t try to take on a powerful rail service or government agency on your own. Instead, put experience, knowledge of applicable state and federal railroad regulations, and a proven track record of success in your corner.
Call Singleton Schreiber, and count on our Montgomery train fire and explosion attorneys to go above and beyond to make a difference in your life.
We’ll investigate your train fire or explosion, gather maintenance logs, safety inspection reports, event recorder data, and expert fire analysis, and work hard to build a winning legal claim on your behalf. During negotiations, we’ll force the at-fault party to make you a fair settlement offer or risk going up against our award-winning Alabama trial attorneys in court.
You have one shot at getting compensation for your train fire or explosion injuries; our personal injury law firm in Montgomery can help you make the most of it.
There’s a limited time to pursue damages through a personal injury claim, so call our Montgomery, AL law office to arrange your free case review today.
