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Remote Control Devices Should Come Under the Locomotive Inspection Act

I was recently working on a F.E.L.A. case where a railroad worker got hurt while wearing a remote control device. The conductor was dismounting a rail car and the ill-fitting remote control unit knocked him off the ladder. The question arose whether it was a Locomotive Inspection Act case. Obviously, if we as F.E.L.A. counsel could fit it under the Locomotive Inspection Act with its automatic liability, we would be in a lot better position to get a fair settlement. We amended our F.E.L.A. suit to add the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA).

The argument for the LIA seemed pretty clear. If you look at the FRA regulations about remote control units, they talk about it as an appurtenance to and part of the locomotive. In essence, it is the control panel of the engine cab in a mobile form. I had a rail expert who was willing to confirm this theory.

However, I was not able to find any cases discussing whether a remote control device comes within the LIA. The technology's use is relatively new over the past few years. Thus, no cases have made there way through the court system to the appellate level in a published F.E.L.A. opinion, to my knowledge. I suspect it will eventually be litigated and made clear by the courts. Until then, I suggest that any personal injury lawyer handling a F.E.L.A. case for an injured railroad worker involving a remote control unit consider at least pleading the LIA as a way to put pressure on the railroad.

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