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Railroad Worker Injuries & FELA Claims

The Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA), Federal Safety Appliance Act (FSSA) and the Federal Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA) mandate that a railroad maintains their fleet, ensuring that their trains are in good working order and free of defect.

If a railroad does not comply with these standards, they may be 100% liable for your damages.  Under current standards the damages you may receive include medical treatments, present and future lost wages and mental trauma.

An injury on the railway can range from a minor sprain to a spinal injury so severe that it leads to death.  Some of the most common injuries that affect railway workers are:

 

You can be sure that your employer will call their lawyer as soon as a serious accident occurs.  The railroads attorney will act as if they have your best interests at heart.  However, any lawyer that works for the railroad is concerned with the company’s bottom line, not your pain and suffering.

To battle the railroad giants you must have an experienced team of FELA lawyers on your side.  If you are serious about your claim you need serious representation.  At Schechter McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P., we have over 100 years of experience in personal injury law.  Though we are located in Texas we welcome the toughest cases from around the country.  If you or a loved one has been involved in an on the job railroad accident, please call today for your free consultation.

FELA Claims

The Federal Employees Liability Act (FELA) was enacted in order to help injured railroad workers and their families bring claims against their employers.  According to The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), FELA requires Railroads to maintain a safe working environment, provide proper tools and equipment and adequate help or training to their employees.  If they fail in any of these areas, they can be found negligent. 

If your employer is negligent, even in a small way, a FELA claim can be filed.  An accident does not have to be 100% the fault of the railroad in order for you to file and win your FELA claim.  If, for example, your damages total $100,000, and it is determined that the railroad was 75% at fault, then they would pay $75,000.  Of course, if it is found that the railroad is 100% at fault, they would be responsible for all of the damages.

If you need help filing your claim or believe that your case is being undervalued please do not hesitate to contact us today.  With over 100 years of combined experience the railroad injury lawyers at Schechter McElwee, Shaffer & Harris, L.L.P.  understand every inch of railroad acts, regulations and laws.  We will make the law work for you.  At SMSH our experience and results cannot be matched.  Please call today for your free consultation.