If you’re like the majority of the workforce, you want to go to work, do your job, and go home at the end of the day. However, when you work on the railroad with those who do not take safety precautions seriously, what starts as a normal shift can end with you sustaining catastrophic injuries. Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming nature of these matters, many are unsure of their legal options or how to proceed. If this represents your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how a FELA lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve for these matters.
What Are Catastrophic Injuries?
A catastrophic injury is generally any injury that will have a long-term and significant impact on the life of the victim. These typically will impact the victim for the rest of their life and often lead to temporary or permanent disabilities.
Common injuries that are considered catastrophic include, but are not limited to:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Multiple bone breaks
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns and electrocutions
- Internal organ damage
- Loss of sight or hearing
How Should I Proceed if I Want to File a FELA Claim?
Sustaining a catastrophic injury can have a profound impact on the rest of your life, so understanding your legal options is imperative.
Generally, the most important thing you should do immediately after sustaining a catastrophic injury is to seek immediate medical treatment. While in most instances, you are supposed to file a report and then go see a doctor, if your injuries are life-threatening, it’s critical to seek immediate care above all else.
Once you have received medical care, it’s imperative to immediately connect with an experienced attorney. Unfortunately, your employer may try to take advantage of the fact that you are injured to twist your words against you, to make it seem as though you are taking responsibility for the accident. As such, having legal representation can help ensure that you are protected during these matters.
Additionally, if you want to file a FELA claim, it’s imperative to refrain from speaking to anyone other than your attorney about these matters. If your case makes headlines, you should not discuss your case. Instead, direct them to contact your attorney with any questions. Similarly, if your employer reaches out about your injuries, you should not talk to them until you have contacted your attorney.
As you can see, a catastrophic injury caused by the negligence of your railroad employer can have a significant impact on your life. That’s why it’s critical to understand the importance of connecting with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through these difficult times. At Doran & Murphy, our dedicated team of FELA lawyers will do everything possible to help you receive a favorable outcome for your claim. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you through these matters.
