When you are injured while performing your duties on the railroad, the last thing you may anticipate is sustaining a serious injury. However, as the risk of injuries for railroad workers is unfortunately high, understanding how to proceed in the immediate aftermath is critical. As such, one of the most important steps you will take following an incident is the completion of a railroad accident report. How you complete this document can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case, so it is critical to continue reading and contact a FELA lawyer to guide you through these difficult times.
Do I Need to Complete an Accident Report?
An accident report is one of the most critical pieces of evidence that will be used in your case, so ensuring you understand how to document the accident you were involved in is critical. Not only can you face repercussions for failing to complete an accident report following an injury sustained on the job, but this document also serves as an important piece of evidence in your case. Because this is a first-hand account of the injuries you have suffered, it will be utilized by all parties involved in the case, including your attorney and your employer’s legal team. As such, ensuring this document is completed correctly is critical.
You should know that you have the right to have an attorney and a union representative assist you through the completion of this document, and it is strongly recommended that you seek their guidance. These individuals are on your side and ready to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Avoid When Filing the Report?
When completing the incident report after a railroad accident, one of the most important things you should do is avoid taking responsibility for the accident in any capacity. Even alluding to the idea that the accident could have been your fault can result in the railroad getting your claim dismissed.
In addition, you should be specific when listing the unsafe conditions you encountered that led to your accident. Similarly, you should be sure to list all impacted body parts. However, when listing, you may want to include an “etc.” at the end of the list in the event you develop additional injuries in the hours and weeks after the accident.
Finally, you’ll want to provide a brief and accurate description of the accident. This can help ensure you have the events documented in your own words shortly after the incident occurs. Under no circumstances should your employer, supervisor, or a claims agent ask to include additional information or edit the report.
As you can see, the information included in your report can drastically impact the outcome of your case. That is why it is critical to connect with an experienced attorney with Doran & Murphy to explore your legal options. Our firm understands how overwhelming navigating a FELA claim can be, which is why we are committed to helping you seek the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more.
