Regardless of what kind of job you work, you just want to do that job and clock out at the end of the day. However, if you work on a railroad, you may be unable to do this, especially if your employer is negligent and fails to ensure that you are working in a safe environment. As such, you may suffer an injury that leaves you with chronic pain. It’s imperative to understand whether or not you are eligible to pursue a FELA claim for the damages you’ve endured. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult matters and the importance of working with a FELA lawyer to discuss your circumstances.
What Kind of Injuries Can Cause Chronic Pain?
Unfortunately, chronic pain is often the result of a number of different injuries. In many instances, lasting pain can be caused by traumatic injuries. When you are injured in an accident that involves blunt force trauma or a penetrating wound, such as being struck by heavy equipment or impaled by a broken railing, you may endure several complications, including nerve damage, on top of infections and mental anguish.
Nerve damage caused by traumatic injuries can result in conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, which can cause intense and constant pain in the extremities. Additionally, these injuries can result in central sensitization, which causes the entire nervous system to become more sensitive. As a result, pain is more frequent and triggered often, sometimes with seemingly no cause.
While chronic pain can occur after any number of injuries, you’ll find that most commonly, orthopedic injuries, sprains, and strains are associated with lasting pain.
Can I Seek Compensation for the Lasting Injuries I’ve Endured?
If you have sustained an injury while working on the railroad, it’s imperative to understand your rights. First and foremost, in order to file a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), you must be able to prove that your employer was at least partially negligent in the injuries you’ve endured. This can include a lack of proper training, failure to provide working personal protective equipment, or refusing to remedy hazards on the job site. As such, if you can prove that your employer was negligent and that led to the injuries you’ve endured, you can pursue a FELA claim.
When filing a claim, you must also understand what compensation you may be eligible to recover. Generally, you can seek compensation for the medical bills you’ve incurred, lost wages, and any property damage sustained as a result of the accident. These are your economic damages, as they have actual monetary value attached to them.
However, you can also seek compensation for the emotional damages you’ve sustained, which includes the pain and suffering, mental anguish, and anxiety you may suffer as a result of your employer’s negligence.
As you can see, fighting for the compensation you deserve can be difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney at Doran & Murphy. Our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to for injuries you’ve suffered. When you need help, contact our team today.
