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Chances are good that you can. The law generally entitles people who suffer injuries in train accidents caused by someone else’s dangerous conduct to take legal action for compensation. Because of the highly-regulated nature of railroad operations, few accidents happen that do not involve wrongful, harmful actions on the part of someone involved in operating or maintaining a train.

Who you might have the right to sue varies.

Let’s look at some of the parties who commonly have liability for harm done to victims in Philadelphia train accidents:

  • The federal government. Train accidents involving Amtrak or any other rail system operated by the federal government can result in the government having legal liability for harm to victims, such as when a federal employee causes the accident. A body of federal law governs how these claims can proceed, and the amount of money a victim might recover.
  • City or state government. In Philadelphia, SEPTA operates public transportation including commuter rail lines. An accident involving a SEPTA train or facility and caused by a SEPTA employee or contractor can leave city and/or state governments liable for damages to victims.
  • Private rail operators. Many trains owned and operated by private entities traverse the Philadelphia area. An accident involving a privately-owned train can result in the owner/operator having legal liability.
  • Others. Under Pennsylvania law, anyone whose unreasonably dangerous decisions or conduct leads to a train accident face potential liability for the harm done to victims. For example, a pharmaceutical manufacturer might have liability for a train accident if it failed to warn of dangerous side effects of taking its products, and a train conductor who took them fell asleep at the controls as a result. Or, a private railroad maintenance company could face liability for failing to keep tracks or crossings in safe working order.

More than one party can have liability to victims in a Philadelphia train accident. Identifying all parties with potential liability is one of the most important jobs of an experienced Philadelphia train accident attorney, because every party with liability represents a potential source of payment of damages to accident victims.

Speak with our experienced Philadelphia train accident injury attorneys today to find out who may owe you compensation for your injuries and losses.