{"id":353581,"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\/railroad-injuries.html"},"modified":"2024-09-11T13:56:15","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T18:56:15","slug":"railroad-injuries","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/railroad-injuries.html","title":{"rendered":"FELA and Railroad Worker Injuries: Know Your Legal Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">FELA and Railroad Worker Injuries: Know Your Legal Rights<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jade-yeban-j-d\/\">Jade Yeban, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 11, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <div id=\"copilot-message-r180\" class=\"fai-CopilotMessage__content r1izxv8h ___7qar2c0 fcthzvy\" dir=\"auto\">\n<div dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"___1vve6yh f22iagw f1vx9l62 f122n59 f3bhgqh f1mnxvew fly5x3f\">\n<div class=\"___j4vmuw0 f22iagw f1vx9l62 f1869bpl fly5x3f fbc6vix\">\n<div data-testid=\"loading-message\" data-fui-focus-visible=\"\">\n<div>\n<div id=\"chatMessageResponser17u\" class=\"___1yop6mf f336tjw f9ijwd5 fz7g6wx fod5ikn f1s184ao\" aria-live=\"assertive\" data-testid=\"lastChatMessage\">\n<div class=\"___1j4t0a1 f1lmfglv f1abmfm4\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-testid=\"markdown-reply\" data-message-type=\"Chat\">\n<div class=\"___stpibi0 f22iagw f1vx9l62 fk15e71 f1k953kz f137keqj f1rncccw f1stllg3 f1w4kmmc f1tric3v f10dk5ic fx8cdsv f16nlwsl f1eookvz fhjrts3 fqugt2f f10km5jb f18d18k8 f1v1vhmp f1hdmul3 f198vjnp f2dshw1 fjpjndq fnmj2pj ffrrb40 f1mon110 fhajzam fimndk6 fxv4dng fb1rn9k f59wlhv f1xmfh30 f18yf5o5 fmr6chf fw8qy2q ff161sd f1qr7t77 f1yyogn1 foogchg fp5872b f1tpb8gf f1hdgrc8 f1vatr43 frkxccd f9pdzkb f158oiaz ft5kggy f5l4ui7 f13j03li f18xdoka f8off4e f1go6zfc f128n2ra f1jpxw2j f1lwd9n0 fy0b8hm f1g2633v fx4kvgi fkvolse f1gxrt3a f1os76ua f1js9cnw f1g87ej0 freluf8 f1yggaq6 f2i3chp f1151osp florpoh f35kzfz ftp9m57 f1e288vi fz62hnz fixvuys f1nmofwh fc1c6mv f18a2er7 fhvkrdl fhxnn68 f1oce4bo fvhlfan f7tc0t0 f1ngf1n2 ffrzq6x f1yjiq2m f1aqdgql f1huvaf f10ij78l f1k94sa4 fkmfumq f1jvzkyl f1eu24ob f1xbfc1f fmf0lwf f107dsy8 f3w566c f4648sl f13zpkng f7unjfp f8p1rz fzu6h1w f1i1bi6h f1smo7hi f1sk1xod f1kgogdq f1gjktkp ft608jz f19dd9cz fg3xr24 fhd155k f1b8gl2e fg4b9ou flb4lo fdicbfk fgwcyh1 f1jbds0d f1fb9uea f1stuka4 fcrtu6g fwqh0xn f11w66yg f6e0e65 f1vvgu0 f1607507 f1m9bycv f1ntoah8 f1b694rt faql4r2 fpjuhzh fmavl6h\">\n<p>Railroad work is among the most hazardous jobs in the U.S., often leading to serious injuries. The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) provides legal protections and compensation options for injured railroad workers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fai-CopilotMessage__footnote r1bn3aft ___7qar2c0 fcthzvy\">\n<div class=\"___648pct0 f1lmfglv f527xm8 f1hdris8\" dir=\"ltr\" data-testid=\"foot-note-div\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fai-CopilotMessage__actions rmlvq19 ___7qar2c0 fcthzvy\" role=\"toolbar\" data-tabster=\"{&quot;mover&quot;:{&quot;cyclic&quot;:false,&quot;direction&quot;:2,&quot;memorizeCurrent&quot;:true}}\"><\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Railroad employees face a greater risk of work-related injuries than other workers. Thus, it is critical that railroad workers understand their rights and protections under the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/railroad-worker-injuries-fela-overview.html\">Federal Employers&#8217; Liability Act<\/a>\u00a0(FELA).<\/p>\n<p>This article outlines the legal rights of railroad workers injured on the job. Learn about:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Common types of railroad worker injuries<\/li>\n<li>Employer requirements under FELA and workers&#8217; compensation laws<\/li>\n<li>The process for filing a FELA claim<\/li>\n<li>How <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/railroad-worker-injury-fela\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">railroad injury attorneys<\/a> can help<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common Types of Railroad Worker Injuries<\/h2>\n<p>Railroad workers face various hazards that can cause injuries. This is due to the dangerous nature of railroad work. Some of the most <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/railroad-worker-injuries-fela-faq.html\">common injuries<\/a> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Broken bones or strains caused by falls or striking objects<\/li>\n<li>Brain injuries caused by falls or striking objects<\/li>\n<li>Collisions and derailments resulting in severe physical trauma<\/li>\n<li>Repetitive motion injuries due to continuous physical tasks<\/li>\n<li>Electrical burns from working with high-voltage equipment<\/li>\n<li>Hearing loss from constant exposure to loud noises<\/li>\n<li>Back injuries from lifting heavy objects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Every year, many people suffer personal injuries due to railroad accidents. Sometimes, these serious injuries can also result in\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries\/wrongful-death.html\">wrongful death<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Railroad Injuries Can Have Lifelong Impacts<\/h2>\n<p>Another vital aspect to consider is the long-term impact of railroad injuries on workers&#8217; lives. Railroad accidents can result in chronic health issues, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/long-term-vs-short-term-disability-insurance.html\">long-term disabilities<\/a>, or even a lifetime of medical treatment. Injured railroad workers must understand the potential long-term consequences of their injuries, both physically and financially.<\/p>\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/chronology-of-a-fela-claim.html\">filing a claim<\/a>, it&#8217;s essential to account for future medical expenses, ongoing care, and the potential loss of future earnings. Also, consider the emotional and psychological toll of a severe injury, such as the impact on family life and mental health.<\/p>\n<p>Including these long-term effects in a FELA claim ensures that injured workers get comprehensive compensation. This compensation should reflect the extent of their injuries and their effect on the worker&#8217;s future.<\/p>\n<h2>FELA and Railroad Injuries: A Brief Background<\/h2>\n<p>FELA is a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.govinfo.gov\/content\/pkg\/USCODE-2021-title45\/pdf\/USCODE-2021-title45-chap2-sec51.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">federal law<\/a>\u00a0that gives railroad workers certain rights and protections.<\/p>\n<p>Congress passed FELA in 1908 to protect railroad workers injured on the job. During the 19th and 20th centuries, railroad workers suffered high rates of injuries and deaths. FELA was a response to this. Before FELA, railroad workers injured on the job had limited recourse and often struggled with medical bills and lost income.<\/p>\n<p>FELA shifted this paradigm, allowing workers to sue their employers for negligence. This was a significant change from standard workers&#8217; compensation laws. But, the railroad industry remains dangerous despite these laws. Railroad workers continue to face a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/injuryfacts.nsc.org\/home-and-community\/safety-topics\/railroad-deaths-and-injuries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">higher rate of injury and death<\/a>\u00a0than workers in other fields.<\/p>\n<p>Under FELA, railroad employers must offer to adhere to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/employer-responsibility-under-fela.html\">higher standard of care<\/a>. They must enforce safety regulations and give proper safety training and supervision. They must also refrain from making unreasonable demands on workers. Any breach of this duty can lead to a railroad company being liable for employee injuries.<\/p>\n<p>Unlike typical\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation.html\">workers&#8217; compensation<\/a>, FELA is a federal law requiring railroad employees to prove their employer&#8217;s negligence contributed to their injury. Traditional workers&#8217; comp operates under a no-fault system. This shows FELA&#8217;s intent to encourage safer workplace practices in the railroad industry.<\/p>\n<p>The emphasis on proving negligence places a higher burden on the injured worker. It also potentially leads to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/resolution-before-trial-settlement.html\">larger settlements<\/a> and drives improvements in workplace safety.<\/p>\n<h2>Employer Requirements Under FELA<\/h2>\n<p>Under FELA, railroad companies must provide a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/workplace-safety\/protecting-yourself-from-unsafe-working-conditions.html\">safe working environment<\/a>. This includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintaining equipment and tools properly<\/li>\n<li>Inspecting workplaces to ensure safety<\/li>\n<li>Providing adequate training and supervision<\/li>\n<li>Preventing unreasonable work quotas or expectations<\/li>\n<li>Ensuring the work environment is free from harmful substances like asbestos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Employers that fail to do so may be liable for worker injuries that happen on the job. When an employer fails to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/employer-responsibility-under-fela.html\">fulfill these responsibilities<\/a>, an injured employee can file a FELA claim.<\/p>\n<h2>How To File a FELA Claim<\/h2>\n<p>To\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/workers-compensation\/fela-claims-what-to-do-if-you-are-injured.html\">file a FELA claim<\/a>, an injured railroad worker must:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Seek immediate medical help.<\/li>\n<li>Report the injury to their employer immediately.<\/li>\n<li>Gather evidence of employer negligence.<\/li>\n<li>File the claim within the state&#8217;s statute of limitations (generally, a FELA claim must get filed within three years from the date of the injury).<\/li>\n<li>Be prepared to prove how the injury impacts their life.<\/li>\n<li>Work with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/railroad-worker-injury-fela\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">an attorney experienced in railroad injuries<\/a> to navigate the complex legal process.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2>How a Railroad Injury Attorney Can Help You<\/h2>\n<p>A railroad injury attorney plays a pivotal role in FELA claims. They can support and advocate for you in several ways, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Give expert legal advice and guide you through the legal process<\/li>\n<li>Gather and present evidence to prove employer negligence<\/li>\n<li>Negotiate with insurance companies and railroad companies<\/li>\n<li>Represent you in federal court if necessary<\/li>\n<li>Maximize the benefits you&#8217;re eligible for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you or a loved one sustained an injury as a railroad worker, contact an experienced attorney about your claim today. FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/railroad-worker-injury-fela\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">railroad injury attorneys<\/a> can get you started. Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Many law offices offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                             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     class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Accident and injury claims are complex and 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