Randy has practiced personal injury law for nearly 30 years. He is recognized as a "Super Lawyer" in Law & Politics Magazine (in VA, since 2010) and is recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America (according to U.S. News & World Report). Randy has represented thousands of clients who've been hurt in car accidents, truck accidents, and railroad workplace accidents. Contact his office today for a free, confidential consultation.
Our brain injury law firm in Virginia Beach, VA discusses the importance of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) victim visiting specialists in order to secure proper treatment. Unfortunately, a brain injury can have devastating, life-altering side effects on the victim so seeing the right medical specialists is critical to achieving some semblance of the life the victim had before the accident. Our firm has handled numerous brain injury cases, including one brain injury case involving a young child who was hurt in a tractor-trailer wreck for $21 million (structured settlement). To learn about this multi-million dollar case result, check out this page: https://www.hsinjurylaw.com/case_results/truck-accident-child-brain-injury-virginia-beach.cfm
Since 1985, the lawyers affiliated with Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have dedicated their practice to helping people when they need it most. Our clients are usually down and out after a serious accident, struggling financially, physically, and emotionally. We take pride in advocating for the injured and getting the financial restitution they are owed.
Railroad workers are protected by a very plaintiff-friendly law called the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA). One of the provisions under that act, or the way that courts have interpreted it, is the requirement that railroads provide employees with adequate equipment and assistance in lifting or moving equipment.
If you’ve been hurt while working for the railroad, the team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is here to help. We handle cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.
What Types of Annuities Are Available for Railroad Workers?
There are two types of annuities available through the United States Railroad Retirement Board. Information concerning these pensions is available through their webpage at www.rrb.gov. A railroad employee must file an application with the RRB to receive a railroad retirement annuity. Age and railroad service are important factors in determining whether an employee qualifies for a railroad pension and if there will be any deductions from the pension due to either factor.
Generally, if a railroad employee has at least 240 months of railroad service, the employee can retire in the first full month he or she is 60. The employee will have a tier one age reduction if he or she met the age or service requirement in a month after June 1984 and before January 2002.
Full retirement age is when an employee with less than 30 years of railroad service can receive a full annuity. Full railroad retirement age for Tier 1 benefits is 65 if the employee was born before January 2nd, 1938. The full retirement age is scheduled to gradually increase over the next 20 years to 67. Full railroad retirement age for Tier 2 age reductions is 65 if the employee had credible service before August 12, 1938. Otherwise, the full age for Tier 2 age reduction is also scheduled to increase over 20 years, as is the Tier 1 full retirement age.
The RRB has a chart on its webpage that contains the scheduled age increases and should be consulted to determine the effective age on an employee's pension benefit.
What Happens if a Railroad Worker Becomes Disabled?
A railroad employee may qualify for an employee occupational disability if he or she is permanently disabled from their railroad occupation and has a current connection with the railroad industry. Employees of any age are eligible for an occupational disability pension if they have 240 months of credible railroad service. An employee who is 60 or older is eligible for a disability pension if they have over 120 months of credible railroad service.
You must file an application with the RRB to receive a disability pension. According to the law, a disability annuity cannot begin before the first day of the sixth month following the month the disability begins.
There's also a total disability annuity. To qualify for a total disability through the RRB, the employee must have at least 120 months of credible railroad service and at least 60 months of credible service after 1995.
If an employee has less than 120 months of credible railroad service, and if they qualify for a total disability annuity, the employee can receive his or her Tier one component on the beginning date of the annuity, but the Tier two component is not collectible until the employee reaches age 65. To qualify, the employee must be permanently disabled from all types of work and have stopped any substantial gainful employment.
Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?
Pursuing a FELA claim is crucial for railroad workers who have suffered injuries due to employer negligence. The FELA process can be complex, so seeking legal guidance early on can help you navigate the intricacies of your claim and work towards obtaining the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced FELA attorney. Let us help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies are not really helping people. They are a business and not looking out for your well-being. We are only interested in our clients well-being and will either settle a case quickly or go to trial, as long as you get a fair recovery.
Contact Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton at (800) 752-0042 or www.hsinjurylaw.com.
Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), often referred to as a concussion, occurs when an individual experiences a blow to the head or body that causes a temporary disruption in brain function. While the symptoms of a mild TBI may be subtle and may not show up immediately, they can have lasting effects if not properly addressed. MTBI is often associated with sports injuries, car accidents, falls, and physical assaults, among other causes. Although many people recover from mild TBIs, others may experience lingering effects that require medical attention.
If you have been diagnosed with a brain injury caused by another party’s negligence, we are here to help. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we represent traumatic brain injury victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury?
The symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury can vary from person to person, and they may not always appear immediately after the injury. Common symptoms include:
Headache: One of the most frequent symptoms of a mild TBI, headaches can occur shortly after the injury or even days later. Dizziness or balance issues: Individuals with a mild TBI may experience feelings of dizziness, unsteadiness, or difficulty maintaining balance. Confusion or disorientation: A person may feel mentally foggy or confused, especially immediately following the injury. Nausea or vomiting: Some individuals may feel nauseous or even vomit shortly after the injury. Fatigue or sleep disturbances: Many people with mild TBIs report feeling unusually tired or having difficulty sleeping, either sleeping too much or experiencing insomnia. Sensitivity to light or noise: Increased sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises is another common symptom of mild TBI.
These symptoms may be temporary, but they can also persist for weeks or months in some individuals, requiring ongoing management.
How Do Symptoms of Mild TBI Differ from Severe Brain Injuries?
The primary difference between mild traumatic brain injury and more severe brain injuries lies in the severity and persistence of symptoms. In a mild TBI, symptoms may be temporary and improve with rest and proper care. In contrast, severe brain injuries often result in loss of consciousness, memory problems, and long-lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional changes that may require significant medical intervention.
However, it is important to note that even mild traumatic brain injuries can have lasting effects. Some individuals may experience persistent symptoms such as chronic headaches, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems long after the injury. In some cases, repeated mild TBIs can lead to more severe brain damage or conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Can Symptoms of Mild TBI Appear Later After the Injury?
Yes, symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury can sometimes appear hours or even days after the injury. Some individuals may not immediately feel the full impact of the injury, especially if the blow to the head was not particularly forceful or if the person was distracted or focused on other matters. The delayed onset of symptoms is one reason why it is important to monitor an individual after a suspected TBI and seek medical attention if any symptoms appear or worsen over time.
It is also important to remember that some people may experience a gradual progression of symptoms, where they worsen over the course of a few days rather than presenting all at once. For example, an individual may start with a mild headache and then develop dizziness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating in the hours or days following the injury.
How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what legal recourse your family has for the losses you have sustained.
Call us today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer. Let us help you get the care and compensation you need. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
We handle two types of train related accidents. One is the typical crossing accident where a motor vehicle is struck by a train at a crossing. The other is where we represent railroad workers who are injured on the job. We have a free booklet available to injured railroad employees that advises them of their rights under the Federal Employers Liability Act. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
Randy Appleton never even knew a lawyer until he was finished with his first year of law school. He came from a family of blue collar people and found that whenever they had any difficulty they were at the mercy of everyone else so he wanted to help those kinds of people. Contact Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton at 1-800-752-0042 or hsinjury.com.
