Houston Jury Awards $1,732,000 in FELA Railroad ATV Crash
One driver was operating an ATV when it lost control and crashed into a yard office, injuring the driver. The injured person claimed the employer failed to provide a safe workplace and proper training. The employer argued the incident was not covered by FELA. A jury found the employer's negligence caused the injuries.
Case Information Updated: October 2025
About Back Strain / Soft Tissue Injuries
Back strain and soft tissue injuries are among the most common injuries sustained in car accidents. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back, often resulting from the sudden impact forces experienced during a collision.
Case Outcome
- Outcome
- Verdict-Plaintiff
- Amount
- $1,732,000
- County
- Harris County, TX
- Resolved
- 2025
Injury & Accident Details
- Injury Type
- Back Strain / Soft Tissue
- Accident Type
- Other
- Case Type
- F.E.L.A
Settlement Context
This verdict-plaintiff of $1,732,000 is above the median of $13,021 for back strain / soft tissue cases resolved by verdict-plaintiff. The typical range is $5,408 to $31,445, based on 800 cases in our database.
Case Overview
A railroad engineer filed a lawsuit in Houston, TX, after sustaining injuries in an ATV crash within a rail yard on August 14, 2021. The plaintiff, a passenger on a side-by-side ATV driven by a conductor, was injured when the conductor lost control, causing the vehicle to crash into the yard office. The plaintiff alleged the defendant railroad company failed to provide a safe workplace, proper training, and safe equipment, violating the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) and federal railroad safety standards. The plaintiff claimed significant injuries to his back, head, and right eye.
The defendant denied the incident was a FELA action, arguing the ATV was not a locomotive and thus not covered. The defendant also disputed the plaintiff's injury claims.
A jury found the defendant's negligence caused the plaintiff's injuries. The jury awarded the plaintiff $1,000,000 for future medical expenses and $732,000 for pain and suffering, resulting in a total verdict of $1,732,000.
Understanding This Case
- The majority of soft tissue injuries resolve within 6-12 weeks with proper treatment. However, approximately 10-20% of cases may develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
- This case went to trial and resulted in a jury verdict. Verdicts can yield higher awards but carry the risk of receiving nothing if the jury rules against the plaintiff.
- This case was resolved in Harris County, Texas. Local jury tendencies, judge assignments, and regional economic conditions all influence case outcomes in this jurisdiction.
- Resolved in 2025, this case reflects the legal and economic conditions of that period, including medical costs, insurance practices, and jury award trends at the time.
VerdictlyTM Score
This outcome differs from typical similar cases
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