Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA)
Protecting the Safety of Railroad Workers—and Holding Railroads Accountable
Railroad work is dangerous by nature, and federal laws like the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA) exist to protect workers by ensuring locomotives and their parts are in safe, proper condition. When a railroad fails to meet these safety standards, and a worker is injured as a result, the company can be held strictly liable under the LIA.
At Yaeger & Jungbauer Barristers we have decades of experience representing injured railroad workers under the LIA and related statutes, including the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of railroad injury litigation—and we know how to win.
What Is the Locomotive Inspection Act?
The Locomotive Inspection Act (formerly the Boiler Inspection Act) is a federal safety statute that requires locomotives, tenders, and all their parts and appurtenances to be:
- In proper condition and safe to operate without unnecessary danger of personal injury;
- Inspected regularly as required by federal regulation;
- Maintained to meet all applicable safety standards before being used in service.
Importantly, the LIA imposes strict liability on railroads—meaning the injured worker does not have to prove negligence, only that the locomotive or its equipment was in violation of the Act and contributed to the injury.
Common Violations of the LIA
Our attorneys have handled numerous cases involving LIA violations, including:
- Malfunctioning or poorly maintained brakes
- Faulty seats, ladders, handholds, or steps
- Oil, grease, or other substances causing slip hazards
- Inoperative cab lighting or gauges
- Excessive vibration or noise due to mechanical defects
- Failure to perform required inspections or repairs
Even a small defect can have serious consequences. If an unsafe condition on a locomotive contributed to your injury, the railroad may be strictly liable under the LIA.
How the LIA and FELA Work Together
Injured railroad workers are not covered by workers' compensation. Instead, they are protected by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)—a federal law that allows railroad employees to sue their employer for work-related injuries.
When a FELA claim involves a violation of the Locomotive Inspection Act, that violation serves as conclusive evidence of negligence, which can significantly strengthen the injured worker’s case.
Our team knows how to build powerful FELA claims supported by LIA violations, and we have the track record to prove it.
Why Experience Matters in LIA Cases
LIA claims require detailed knowledge of:
- Federal safety regulations
- Railroad industry practices
- Mechanical systems and inspection records
- How to preserve and analyze locomotive evidence
- Working with certified railroad and engineering experts
At Yaeger & Jungbauer our attorneys have successfully handled LIA claims for engineers, conductors, machinists, and other railroad workers across the country. We understand the nuances of federal railroad law, and we are relentless in holding railroads accountable for safety violations.
Your Rights. Your Recovery. Our Experience.
If you were injured in an incident involving an unsafe locomotive or faulty equipment, you may have a claim under the Locomotive Inspection Act. We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible—preserving evidence and acting within statutory deadlines is critical.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation today. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
