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.
Port Republic is a small, rural community located in Calvert County, Maryland. It is approximately 5 miles south of Prince Frederick, Maryland, the county seat of Calvert County. While Port Republic is not incorporated and has no central business district, it nonetheless features several places of note, including historic Christ Episcopal Church and a restored one room school building. The annual Calvert County Jousting Tournament is held the last Saturday in August on the grounds of Christ Church, and was featured in a 2005 edition of ESPN'sSportsCenter's 50 States in 50 Days feature. Residential communities located in Port Republic include Governors' Run, Kenwood Beach, Scientists' Cliffs, and Western Shores. Port Republic has a post office with the designated zip code being 20676.