Sustaining an injury while working can be overwhelming, as you may worry about how you will afford your medical bills and how long you will be out of work to heal. However, many employees can recover some sort of compensation from their employers for the damages they’ve sustained. Railroad workers may be able to file a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). This allows those hurt while on duty working on railroads to recover compensation if their employer was partially to blame. However, it may proceed to trial if this claim cannot be settled. As such, it’s imperative to understand how long a FELA trial can last to help you better prepare for these matters. Keep reading to learn more and discover why you must connect with a FELA lawyer to increase your chances of receiving a positive outcome.
Will My FELA Case Go to Trial?
If you sustain an injury while on duty for a railroad company, it’s necessary to understand what filing a FELA claim will produce. Generally, you’ll find that both sides must submit evidence, in a process known as discovery. This evidence includes medical records, bills, and witness deposition. After both sides can examine the evidence, generally, the railroad company will offer a settlement. In many instances, they will offer a significantly lower amount than you are actually entitled to. From here, your attorney will likely work to obtain a more favorable settlement.
Whether your FELA claim will go to trial depends on whether you and the railroad company can reach a settlement. In many cases, claims are resolved without having to proceed to trial. However, there are instances when an agreement cannot be reached, meaning you will proceed to trial.
If It Does, How Long Does a FELA Trial Last?
If your case goes to trial, understanding how long it can take is critical. Unfortunately, this heavily depends on the circumstances surrounding your case, meaning it can take months to years for this process to finish.
For example, the complexity of your injuries, calling expert witnesses, and delays within the actual court system can increase the length of time that your trial will take. Additionally, you may find that after a verdict has been delivered, either side may appeal the decision to a higher court which can further elongate the process.
Generally, the more complex the circumstances and money the case is worth, the longer it can take to reach a decision.
Can an Attorney Help?
Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes injured railroad employees make is accepting a settlement because they don’t know what their injuries are worth. As a result, you may be unable to cover your medical bills or make ends meet.
That’s why connecting with an experienced FELA attorney from Doran & Murphy is critical. We understand how to value the damages you’ve sustained to negotiate with the railroad company for the compensation you deserve. If they refuse to compromise and your case moves to trial, our firm will fight for you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for you during these challenging times.
