If you have been injured due to the negligence of the railroad company you work for, understanding the steps you must take to pursue justice is critical. One of the most common questions surrounding these cases revolves around why hiring a FELA lawyer as opposed to a personal injury lawyer is critical in these matters. Additionally, you may have questions regarding where the case will take place. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why connecting with an experienced railroad lawyer is in your best interest.
What Are Common Reasons I May Need to File a FELA Claim?
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is a set of regulations and rules surrounding railroad safety and standards. As such, if you are injured on the railroads due to the negligence of your employer, you may be eligible to file a claim as they can be held responsible. However, many railroads do everything possible to avoid liability for these matters to save money.
Generally, any time your employer displays at least partial negligence in an accident that leads to your injury, you likely have a FELA claim on your hands. This includes failing to:
- Properly train employees
- Provide you with adequate safety equipment
- Rotate employees to help avoid injuries
- Ensure worksites are safe and free of hazards
- Provide proper warnings about hazardous materials
As such, you may find that you can sustain several injuries from broken bones and traumatic brain injuries to illnesses like cancer or emphysema. You are generally entitled to the cost of medical treatment, pain and suffering, lost wages, and a loss of enjoyment of life.
Why Do I Need to Hire a FELA Attorney Instead of a Personal Injury Lawyer?
When you are hurt in a car accident or in the workplace, you may connect with a personal injury attorney. However, if you are hurt while employed by a railroad company, working with a personal injury lawyer is not in your best interest. You should, instead, find an attorney who practices FELA cases.
As such, these cases can be more complex than traditional personal injury cases. This is because these don’t follow traditional workers’ compensation rules. Additionally, railroad companies and their attorneys can be ruthless, so it’s critical to ensure you have someone familiar with these matters with the confidence to represent you.
Connecting with a FELA attorney allows you to trust that your attorney has handled similar cases before and knows what to expect. At Doran & Murphy, our dedicated team understands how challenging these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for your rights. We have the experience you need to handle FELA cases to help give you the best opportunity for a favorable outcome. Connect with our team today to learn how we can fight for you
