The Federal Employers Liability Act was enacted for the purpose of providing compensation to railroad employees who are injured on the job. The act, commonly referred to as FELA, was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1908 in response to the high number of railroad deaths in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
If you or a loved one worked for the railroad and suffered injury on the job, you might be entitled to significant compensation. Our railroad accident attorneys can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. Please call Shelnutt & Varner at 256-547-4988 to arrange a free consultation at our office.
FELA vs. Workers’ Compensation
FELA provides protection for railroad workers who are not covered by regular workers’ compensation laws. Under FELA, workers are able to sue companies for their injury claims including compensation for pain and suffering.
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to covered employees based on a determined benefits schedule. FELA awards are decided by a jury based on comparative negligence. Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA is not awarded automatically. FELA requires an injured railroad worker to prove that the railroad was legally negligent at least in part, in causing the injury. Once negligence is established, the worker is entitled to full compensation. Compensation under FELA is usually much higher than that provided under workers’ compensation.
FELA Safety Regulations
In addition to providing a method for relief for injured railroad workers FELA also creates a uniform liability standard that encourages stringent safety standards to protect railroad workers. FELA regulations act as the railroad industry’s version of workers’ compensation regulations but are very different from state compensation laws for other employees.
If It Happens To You
If you are a railroad worker injured on the job due to employer negligence you may be entitled to awards for the following damages:
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- Past and future wage loss
- Past and future medical expenses not covered by employer-provided insurance
- Loss of earnings capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Partial or permanent disabilities
As a railroad employee The Federal Employers Liability Act provides you protections that you need. Proving negligence and ensuring that you receive all of the compensation that you are entitled to is the role of a qualified FELA attorney.
If you live in the southeast areas, please contact Shelnutt & Varner online or by phone at 256-547-4988 today.