{"id":353563,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:02","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/workers-compensation\/chronology-of-a-fela-claim.html"},"modified":"2025-11-19T12:08:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T17:08:00","slug":"chronology-of-a-fela-claim","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/chronology-of-a-fela-claim.html","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Steps of a Railroad Injury FELA Claim"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The 5 Steps of a Railroad Injury FELA Claim<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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FELA gives injured railroad workers<\/span> the right to seek fair compensation<\/span> for workplace injuries<\/span>. The claims process involves medical care, reporting the injury, gathering evidence<\/span>, and working with an attorney<\/span> to file and pursue the case. With legal guidance, workers can navigate negotiations or trial to secure the benefits they deserve.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Federal Employers\u2019 Liability Act<\/span> (FELA) is a federal law<\/span> designed to protect railroad workers who suffer work-related injuries. It allows railroad employees<\/span> to seek compensation for injuries caused by the employer\u2019s negligence<\/span>. This recovery system can be more beneficial than typical workers\u2019 compensation<\/span> claims<\/span><\/a>\u00a0because it may result in higher compensation to cover medical expenses<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a railroad employee<\/span> with a work-related injury\u00a0and you file a claim under FELA<\/a>, you may be unsure of what to expect. The claims process is complicated and\u00a0can have unpleasant surprises and frustrating delays. Remember that there are at least two parties to every action. This means the schedule and events that take place can be outside of your control.<\/p>\n

This article outlines the steps of the\u00a0FELA claim<\/span> process<\/span><\/a>. You will also learn the terms and phrases you will encounter throughout this process. This will help you better understand how your case may proceed.<\/p>\n

While a FELA claim<\/span> can be complicated and overwhelming, you\u2019re not alone. FELA attorneys<\/span> can support and advocate for you every step of the way. Contact an experienced attorney near you<\/a> for help protecting your rights at all stages of your FELA claim<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Seek Immediate <\/span>Medical Attention<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you suffer a railroad work<\/span> injury, get medical help immediately. This is crucial not just for your health but also for your injury claim<\/span>. Medical records<\/span> are important evidence of the injury, the treatments required, and the associated medical bills<\/span>. Keep a record of every medical treatment<\/span> you get.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve received any necessary initial medical treatment<\/span>, you should seek an\u00a0independent medical evaluation<\/a>\u00a0and any additional treatment from your own doctor. Communicate openly and truthfully with your physician about any discomfort or challenges you\u2019re facing due to the incident. Secure copies of all documents, like medical records<\/span>, invoices, and any other paperwork associated with your medical treatment<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Report the Injury<\/h2>\n

Next, report the injury<\/a> to your employer as soon as you can. You should report the injury to your supervisor. This is a critical step in the FELA claims<\/span> and workers\u2019 compensation<\/span> claims<\/span> processes. Your employer may have you complete an injury report form. Be detailed and thorough in your report. Include the following information in your report:<\/p>\n