In what is considered a landmark case for the implementation of the Federal Rail Safety Act, designed to protect workers from company retaliation when they report injuries or safety violations, NJ Transit employee Tony Araujo was awarded over $500,000 in a lawsuit against his employer this Wednesday.

After witnessing the electrocution death of his coworker, Araujo was advised by doctors to take a break from work due to post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Whistleblower Office, Araujo’s boss did not believe this and suspended him without pay. Araujo was also the target of insults and accusations that he had been responsible for his coworker’s death.

Reports by federal investigators show that NJ Transit disregarded Federal Rail Safety Act regulations and ignored Araujo’s rights. According to spokeswoman Penny Bassett Hackett, NJ Transit intends to appeal this ruling.

Organizations should be held to account through litigation when they do not meet safety requirements or wrongfully treat their employees. If you or a loved one has been injured or wronged in the workplace, contact the Philadelphia workers compensation lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. by calling 215-238-1130.