What Is FELA?
Congress passed the Federal Employers’ Liability Act in 1908 to give railroad employees the right to seek compensation when their injury or illness was caused by their employer’s negligence. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, FELA claims require proof that the railroad company was at least partly at fault for the injury.
This distinction makes FELA both powerful and challenging. Workers can potentially recover greater compensation than they would through workers’ comp, but it requires experienced legal representation to gather evidence, prove negligence, and fight back against railroad companies and their insurers.
Common Railroad Worker Injuries
Railroad employees face hazards that most industries never encounter. At The Washington Law Firm, LLC, we represent workers suffering from a wide range of injuries, including:
- Back and Spine Injuries: Heavy lifting, repetitive strain, and accidents involving rail cars often lead to long-term spinal conditions.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Falls, collisions, and equipment malfunctions can cause serious head injuries.
- Broken Bones and Crush Injuries: Railroad work often involves large machinery and moving trains, which can cause devastating fractures.
- Hearing Loss and Lung Damage: Long-term exposure to excessive noise and dangerous substances can result in permanent harm.
- Fatal Accidents: Families of workers who lose their lives on the job may pursue a FELA wrongful death claim.
Every railroad injury has unique circumstances, and we treat every client’s story with dignity and respect.
Proving Negligence in FELA Claims
Under FELA, you must show that the railroad company’s negligence played a role in your injury. This could include:
- Failure to provide safe equipment or tools
- Unsafe working conditions or lack of proper training
- Failure to enforce safety regulations
- Requiring unreasonable hours or shifts that lead to fatigue
- Neglecting to maintain rail cars, tracks, or machinery
Railroad companies often have powerful legal teams ready to deny or minimize your claim. Our firm provides the knowledge and persistence necessary to prove negligence and protect your rights.
Compensation Available Under FELA
Unlike traditional workers’ comp, FELA allows injured railroad workers to seek full compensation for their losses, including:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Because the law allows for greater recovery, railroads often fight these claims aggressively. Having the right attorney can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
