Claims for Railroad Injuries and FELA Cases
Railroad occupations have been notorious for being dangerous for centuries, and since the early 1900s, railroad employees have been afforded some significant protections through the Federal Employers Liability Act, commonly referred to as FELA. In fact, under FELA, railroad workers are entitled to compensation for their injuries and various losses if they can prove that their injuries were caused – even in part – by the negligence of the railroad company.
It’s important to point out that FELA claims:
- Are distinctly different than workers’ compensation claims. Specifically, workers’ compensation claims usually offer a set amount of benefits regardless of who is considered to have been at fault for causing the accident; in contrast, FELA claims can result in substantially higher amounts of compensation, but they must be associated with injuries caused by the railroad’s negligence.
- Can provide injured railroad workers with compensation for their medical bills, irreversible injuries, disfigurement, lost wages, long-term impacts to their earning abilities, mental anguish and other losses
- Are associated with 3-year statutes of limitations, which means that injured railroad employees will have to file their FELA claims within 3 years of the date of their accident/injuries (otherwise, they will lose their right to file these claims and obtain compensation under FELA)
- Are usually managed by FELA claims agents who are generally out to protect the railroad by trying to pin the entire blame for the injuries on the injured worker himself (as this would release the railroad from having to pay the FELA claim.
As a result, injured railroad workers should ensure their rights are fully protected and that they are able to get the full amount of compensation they are entitled to by working with the Portland FELA claims attorneys at the Savage Law Firm. Our lawyers are committed to defending injured railroad employees’ rights and helping them obtain the settlements they deserve.
Railroad Injuries and Workers Covered by FELA
The number of railroad employees who sustained injuries, including fatal injuries, while working reportedly increased by more than 6 percent from 2012 to 2013 (according to the Federal Railroad Administration, FRA). Some of the most common railroad injuries reported to the FRA and covered by FELA include (but are not limited to):
- Head and brain injuries
- Neck, back and spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Loss of limbs
- Burns and lacerations
- Scarring and disfigurement injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, loss of hearing and tendonitis
- Aggravation of pre-existing injuries
- Occupational illnesses, like certain types of cancers and skin diseases.
Railroad workers typically covered by FELA in the event they sustain injuries due to their employer’s negligence include (but are not limited to):
- Conductors
- Engineers
- Carmen and signalmen
- Switchmen and brakemen
- Track maintenance workers.
Portland Railroad Injuries and FELA Claims Lawyers at the Savage Law Firm
For more than three decades, the Portland railroad injuries and FELA claims attorneys at the Savage Law Firm have been devoted to standing up for injured railroad workers’ rights and providing them with the highest quality legal services. While this means that our Portland FELA claims lawyers will work diligently to help our clients tell their stories in court, it also means that our attorneys and dedicated staff will vigorously stand up to insurers and others outside of the courtroom to ensure that our clients are able to obtain the settlements they deserve.
Contact Us Today
Helping you recover from the financial setbacks caused by railroad injuries is one of our primary goals. Our Portland FELA claims attorneys encourage you to learn more about your rights and case by setting up a free initial consult. We represent clients in Oregon and Washington from our offices in Portland and Seattle.
Call us at 503-222-0200 (in Portland) or at 206-957-7272 (in Seattle) or email us using the form on this page to learn more about your rights and our superior legal services.