When you’re considering filing a FELA claim, you may wonder how much your claim is worth or whether or not it’s worth it to pursue compensation for your injuries. However, it’s also essential to understand the timeline associated with filing a claim. Many are unaware of how long a FELA claim can take or what will influence the length of this process. As such, if you’ve been injured while working on the railroads, understanding the different aspects of filing a lawsuit with the assistance of a FELA lawyer is critical. Keep reading to learn what you should know if you’ve suffered injuries.
How Do I File a FELA Claim?
When you sustain an injury while on the job, understanding what your rights are is critical. First, you must inform your shift supervisor or management of your injury. They will likely try to ask you to provide or force you to complete paperwork, which you should only do with your union representative or an attorney present. You should also seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately so you can ensure your injury has been officially documented.
Once you have obtained the necessary care, you should connect with an experienced FELA attorney who can help you file a claim against your employer. You only have three years from the date of the injury to seek compensation from the railroad, so the sooner you file, the better.
What Factors Influence How Long This Process Takes?
It’s important to understand that there are several elements involved in a FELA case which can impact how long it can take.
Generally, the most significant factor revolves around whether or not you can settle your case with the railroad or if you must litigate. If you must litigate the case, it can extend the timeframe of your claim, as you must wait for court availability.
Additionally, the complexity of your injuries can influence how long your actual trial takes. For example, if you sustained life-altering injuries, you may need the testimony of co-workers who saw the accident and expert witnesses who can attest to the severity of your injuries, which can elongate the process.
Finally, if either party, whether that is you or the railroad company, decides to appeal, it can delay the outcome of your case.
Why Should I Obtain Legal Representation?
As you can see, many factors will influence the outcome of your FELA case and how long it will take for your claim to be closed. Connecting with an experienced FELA attorney is critical. Not only is this an incredibly complex and overwhelming process, but failure to succeed can leave you suffering and unable to afford medical care for the injuries you sustained due to the negligence of your employer.
At Doran & Murphy, our dedicated team understands how complex these matters can be. That’s why we are committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for our clients. Connect with us today to discuss the circumstances of your case in further detail.
