Many railroad accidents occur due to negligence, whether it’s a mechanical error that puts a railroad worker at risk or the owner/employer’s lack of observance and failure to repair the problem before a crewmember or worker gets hurt. Mechanical errors are one of the most common reasons for railroad injuries and death. Fatigued railroad workers are another major cause of accident and injuries. Owners and employers must be held accountable, but oftentimes, are simply not. Contract law can play a major role in a railroad injury or wrongful death claim. Remember, responsible parties, like large railroad corporations and their insurance companies, do NOT want to pay damages. Oftentimes, these companies attempt to get crew members to “waive” their right to bring a claim under certain circumstances. These companies will attempt to avoid responsibility by compelling arbitration and avoiding a trial by jury.