Railroad worker injuries are covered under the Federal Employees Liability Act which requires that a railroad maintains their fleet, ensuring that their trains are in good working order and free of defects. If a railroad does not comply with these standards, they may be liable for injuries to their workers. Damages railroad workers may receive include medical treatments, present and future lost wages and mental trauma. An injury on the railway can range from a minor sprain to a spinal injury so severe that it leads to death. Some of the most common injuries that affect railway workers are head trauma, knee injuries, back injuries, neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, brain trauma or spinal cord injuries. The Federal Employees Liability Act protects railroad workers and others as diverse as clerical employees whose day-to-day functions do not directly involve trains or outdoor activity.
Fort Bidwell is an unincorporated community in Modoc County, California. It is located 32 miles (51 km) northwest of Alturas, at an elevation of 4564 feet (1391 m). Fort Bidwell is located near the north end of the Surprise Valley. The community's ZIP Code is 96112 and elevation is about 4,564 feet (1,391 m). The coordinates for the town are 41°51′38″N 120°09′05″W / 41.86056°N 120.15139°W / 41.86056; -120.15139. The airport,, is about 1-mile (1.6 km) north of the center of the community at 41°52′34″N 120°08′48″W / 41.87611°N 120.14667°W / 41.87611; -120.14667. The Fort Bidwell Indian Community is affiliated with the Paiute nation. The Fort Bidwell post office opened in 1868. The place began as a military outpost called Camp Bidwell. It was built in 1863 amid escalading fighting with the local Native Americans called the Snake Indians. It was a base for operations in the Snake War that lasted until 1868 and the later Modoc War. The outpost's name was changed in 1879 and it was demilitarized in 1893. A 1913 book described Fort Bidwell as having a population of about 200, and containing a school and reservation for the Paiute people. Wired telephone numbers in the community follow the format 279-2xxx or 279-6xxx and appear to be served out of the Cedarville central office. Wired telephone service is provided by Citizens Utilities.