It’s no secret that working on the railroad can be a dangerous job. Because of the types of injuries workers can sustain, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act was enacted to add an additional layer of protection for workers. However, many are unaware of their rights and what happens if the injuries they’ve endured prevent them from returning to work in their previous capacity. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what will happen upon your return to work. You’ll also learn why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced FELA lawyer who can help you through these matters.
What Is the Federal Employers’ Liability Act?
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act is a kind of workers’ compensation specifically designed for railroad employees. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation which grants funds for those injured at work in most circumstances, FELA only allows railroad employees to recover compensation to those injured because of the railroad’s negligence. This, in turn, makes it so railroads must ensure safety precautions to create a safe work environment for their employees.
FELA was created in response to the drastic number of injuries railroad workers were facing. As such, this holds the companies to a higher safety standard, helping employees avoid preventable injuries.
What Damages Can Be Obtained Under FELA?
Under FELA, an injured worker can seek several damages. Generally, this includes medical expenses, lost wages from the time they must take off work to heal, and emotional damages.
Another damage you may have to seek if you have sustained an injury due to the negligence of your employer is lost future earnings. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work in your previous capacity, meaning you must seek another job and you would earn less than if you had stayed in your previous role, or you cannot return to work at all, the railroad can be held liable for this lost income.
Can an Attorney Help Me if I Cannot Return to Work in the Previous Capacity?
Calculating lost income can be an incredibly complex process, especially when a worker is never able to perform their old occupation again, but is able to work in some capacity in a different industry. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Working with a lawyer can provide you with additional resources, like vocational and financial experts who can calculate your losses and testify on your behalf to help you recover the funds you deserve.
Sustaining an injury due to the negligence of your employer can be devastating to you and your loved ones. As such it’s important to understand that you do not have to bear the financial burden. Connecting with an experienced railroad injury attorney who can help you navigate these challenging issues is critical. That’s why the team at Doran & Murphy is ready to assist you. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for the justice you deserve.
