Worker killed by railcar in Grand Rapids

A man died Monday, Sept. 21, after being hit by a railcar while he was working at a rail yard.

City officials said the Grand Rapids Police Department and Grand Rapids Fire Department responded to the rail yard on Freeman Avenue Southwest. Coworkers found him and called 911, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the death appears accidental. The investigation remains open pending a formal cause-of-death determination by the Kent County medical examiner.

When federal law applies to railroad workers

Railroad employees whose duties further or substantially affect interstate commerce may be covered by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. If the railroad’s negligence contributed, even in part, to a covered employee’s death, the person authorized to act for the employee’s estate may seek damages for eligible surviving family members.

The worker’s employer and duties matter. A railcar’s involvement alone does not establish that this federal law applies.

Get help from Michigan Legal Center

Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates handles personal injury and wrongful death claims.

If a loved one died in a workplace or rail accident, contact Michigan Legal Center to ask about possible representation.

There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.

Learn more about Michigan Legal Center’s representation in wrongful death cases, including review of estate authority and potential compensation.