This is a list of our firm's case results in Virginia (VA) and beyond. We can't guarantee you'll receive the same results, but we can guarantee we'll work tirelessly on your behalf and try to obtain the jury verdict or settlement you deserve.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that every case is different and these verdicts and settlements, while accurate, do not represent what we may obtain for you in your case.

Locomotive Engine Fire causes Rail Engineer right arm and wrist surgery

HSCL STAFF: Richard N. Shapiro and other firm attorney; Donald Case, investigator;Jackie Tilton-Hunsberger, Roz Hughes, paralegals; Sherri Carter, legal assistant WHAT HAPPENED: A railroad engineer was operating a locomotive engine when fire suddenly broke out from the engine area causing sudden flame and smoke in the engine cab. The engineer was forced to exit the locomotive cab and to quickly dismount from the engine and at the time of dismounting or in falling from the moving engine, he suffered an arm and hand injury. The delicate orthopedic surgery left him with a significant impairment with his right hand and ultimately his surgeon medically disqualified him from working as a locomotive engineer. HSCL STRATEGY: First, HSCL conducted a corporate representative deposition of the railroad and investigated all the locomotive inspection reports and documents and determined that there was a known defect with regard to the engine. Based on the materials reviewed and the depositions, HSCL asserted that the railroad was strictly liable to our client because it violated the Locomotive Inspection Act. We also analyzed and presented key evidence at the mediation, including fire or flame damage to the engineer's grip. We also carefully created medical illustrations showing the anatomical injuries to our client's wrist and hand. Last, we also obtained an economic analysis of the engineer's lost wages, as well as a vocational counselor's report on the substantial lost income because the engineer would be forced to retrain for some other occupation.

Awarded: The case was settled at mediation for $700,000.00