Clifford A. Rieders
Partner, since 1975
Areas: Litigation; Medical Malpractice; Personal Injury; Products Liability; Professional Liability; Torts; Aviation & Aerospace; Civil Practice; Federal Practice and Appeals; Constitutional and Civil Rights; Class Actions; Dram Shop Liability; Railroad Law
Thomas Waffenschmidt
Areas: Medical Malpractice; Personal Injury; Wrongful Death; Motor Vehicle Accidents; Civil Litigation; Products Liability; Trial Practice.
Train accidents almost always involve federal regulations. Train accidents can occur because of railroad crossing problems, or because of the use of equipment. North Central Pennsylvania used to be an area of tremendous railroad activity, especially in Williamsport and Renovo. While much of the railroad activity has diminished, many feeder lines and “short” lines are coming back into use. It is anticipated that because of the Marcellus Shale drilling, there will be much more use of bulk railroad shipping, especially for fluids such as frack water. These cases could also involve a federal employer’s liability act. This act provides certain tort remedies for injured victims employed by the railroads. This is a highly specialized area of the law, especially requiring much knowledge of the federal court system.
