FELA: Your Path to Compensation for Workplace Injuries in the Railroad Industry
Since 1908, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) has protected railroad workers that were injured on the job due to the carelessness or negligence of the railroad company. Railroad employees are often exposed to dangerous working conditions that can jeopardize their health and safety. Working in close proximity to heavy machinery, harmful chemicals, and dangerous electrical equipment can lead to tragic and preventable workplace injuries for railroad employees.
The FELA was enacted more than a century ago to ensure that railroad workers injured on the job have the ability to receive fair compensation for:
- Lost Wages
- Medical Bills
- Pain & Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Lost Benefits
- Scarring
- Other Related Damages
This important federal act offers protection to employees and their families in the event of a tragic workplace accident.
Under the FELA, injured railroad workers are entitled to a trial in front of a jury of their peers to prove monetary damages and establish liability in their workplace injury claim. If the jury determines that the railroad company is even partially responsible for the railroader’s injuries, the company is required to offer compensation in proportion to the company’s fault.
What does fela cover?
Even if a railroad worker was partially responsible for their own injuries, they may still be eligible to recover compensation from their employer under the FELA. Additionally, if the injured worker can prove at trial that the railroad company violated certain federal safety regulations, the railroad company can be found strictly liable to pay for all injuries sustained by an employee.
The FELA covers all railroad worker injuries sustained on the job, including:
- Back, neck & other orthopedic injuries
- Traumatic & repetitive injuries to the spine, arms, shoulders, hips and knees
- Carpal tunnel injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Whole-body vibration injuries
- Chemical exposure injuries
- Respiratory injuries and/or lung cancer caused by inhalation of diesel fumes and exhaust
- Mesothelioma caused by exposure to Asbestos
- Injuries sustained while “Deadheading,” or being transported by an outside company
- Railroad crossing injuries
- Amtrak employee injuries
- Whistleblower protection & retaliation injury actions
Call Henson Fuerst, Because Your Case Matters
Call us today or fill out an online contact form for a FREE, confidential consultation about your FELA Claim. It will not cost you anything to discuss your case. When you call Henson Fuerst, one of our dedicated attorneys will investigate every detail of your situation at no cost to you.
At Henson Fuerst, we will fight hard to protect your rights and secure the fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today to find out how we may be able to help.