HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Weiss, K. J. Articles by Farrell, J. M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Weiss, K. J. Articles by Farrell, J. M.

PTSD in Railroad Drivers Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act

Dr. Weiss is in private practice of forensic psychiatry and Medical Director of Delaware Valley Research Associates, Bala Cynwyd, PA; and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, NJ. Mr. Farrell is a trial lawyer in private practice, representing persons in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and nationally. A version of this paper was presented at the 2004 annual meeting of the AAPL in Scottsdale, AZ, October 20–24. Address correspondence to: Kenneth J. Weiss, MD, Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. E-mail: kweiss{at}comcast.net

Railroad and subway drivers can experience psychological trauma when trains strike or nearly miss other trains, motor vehicles, or persons or become instruments of death. Derailments, collisions, and suicides on the tracks can induce feelings of helplessness, horror, guilt, and anxiety in the drivers. Although some drivers experience acute stress disorder (ASD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), their conditions are not always acknowledged within the occupational setting. The world literature suggests that PTSD has been an increasing focus of concern, giving rise to detailed intervention protocols. In the United States, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) governs the adjudication of work-related injuries among railroad employees. In practice, it is difficult for railroad drivers with PTSD to receive benefits if there was no "direct impact" linked to the employer’s negligence. In this article, the authors review the literature on PTSD among railroad drivers, discuss relevant case law, and explain how the FELA militates against some employees with PTSD.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				E. A. Keram Commentary: The Zone of Danger, Physical Impact, and PTSD J Am Acad Psychiatry Law, June 1, 2006; 34(2): 200 - 203. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]