NJ Transit Employee Tony Araujo was awarded nearly $550,000 in a landmark case against his employers on April 6. The case represents a succesful implementation of the 3-year-old Federal Rail Safet Act, designed to protect workers from company reprisal should they report injuries or safety violations.

Araujo's doctors diagnosed him with post-traumatic stress disorder and recommended he take a few weeks off of work after he witnesses the electrocution death of one of his coworkers. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Whistleblower Office, Araujo’s superiors suspended him without pay in response. Araujo was also subjected to insults and accusations that he had been at fault for his coworker’s death.

Federal investigation has shown that NJ Transit disregarded Federal Rail Safety Act safety regulations and ignored Araujo’s rights. NJ Transit spokeswoman Penny Bassett Hackett, said that NJ Transit intends to appeal this ruling.

When an organization fails to meet safety standards, protect its employees from danger, or treats its employees illegally, it should be held to account in a court of law. If you or a loved one has been injured or wronged in the workplace, contact the Charleston workers comp lawyers of the Steinberg Law Firm by calling 843-720-2800.