James McEldrew III

More Than 35 Years Representing Railroad Workers

Jim McEldrew has spent more than 35 years representing injured railroad workers and working alongside railroad labor organizations. His railroad practice has included claims under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), serious workplace injuries, railroad safety matters, labor disputes, arbitrations, and other issues affecting railroad employees.

Throughout his career, Jim has worked with railroad workers across crafts and job classifications, giving him an extensive understanding of the hazards they face, the working conditions involved in railroad operations, and the legal protections available when an employee is injured on the job.

Longstanding Relationships With Railroad Labor

Jim’s work with railroad labor extends well beyond individual injury cases.

In 1995, he was appointed national counsel for Transport Workers Union (TWU) designated attorneys handling FELA matters. He has also served as designated counsel for the railroad division of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).

Through these relationships and decades of work in railroad law, Jim has been involved in labor arbitrations, contract disputes, negotiations, and safety matters affecting railroad employees. Protecting railroad workers and improving safety within the industry have remained central to his work throughout his career.

Leadership in Railroad Law

Jim has also held leadership positions within organizations representing attorneys who advocate for railroad workers.

He served as President of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys from 1995 to 1996. His railroad experience has also led television and radio outlets to call on him to discuss train accidents and railroad safety issues.

These roles have allowed Jim to remain closely involved with developments affecting railroad workers while working with attorneys, labor representatives, and others focused on protecting employees throughout the industry.

FELA Trial Experience

Jim has handled significant FELA claims involving serious and career-altering railroad injuries.

Representative results include:

• $4.5 million verdict for a railroad conductor who suffered an electrical injury.
• $1.9 million verdict in an FELA case for a 61-year-old railroad car repairman who was injured after slipping on snow and ice while reporting to work.

These results reflect only a portion of Jim’s work representing railroad employees. Every FELA claim depends on its individual facts, including how the injury occurred, the evidence available, the worker’s damages, and the railroad’s conduct.

A Career Focused on Railroad Workers

Railroad injury cases are different from ordinary workplace injury claims. They require an understanding of FELA, railroad operations, industry practices, working conditions, safety requirements, and the evidence necessary to establish railroad negligence.

Jim’s decades of experience representing railroad workers and working with railroad labor organizations allow him to approach these cases with an understanding of both the legal issues and the realities of working on the railroad.

Learn More About Jim McEldrew

This page focuses specifically on Jim’s railroad and FELA experience.

For his complete professional background, additional case results, leadership positions, honors, and broader litigation experience, view Jim McEldrew’s full biography on the McEldrew Purtell website.