Railroad Injury Law
How FELA is different
The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) is a law passed by the government in 1908 to protect railroad workers injured in railroad accidents. Designed to calm public anger over the devastating injuries and loss of life on the rails, the law gives engineers, brakemen, switchmen and other railroad employees the right to sue for on-the-job injuries in state or federal courts. Over the years the railroad law has been strengthened, both by Congress and U.S. Supreme Court decisions, to provide real protection to injured railroad employees.
The FELA is different from other laws, such as state worker's compensation laws and state automobile personal injury laws. Damages are based on your individual loss, including lost wages (past, present and future), pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
However, in order to win your case and recover under the FELA, you need to show some negligence by the railroad caused your injury. Essentially, you need to show that the railroad failed to provide a reasonably safe place to work.
What is the FELA experience?
Because the FELA is unique, if you or someone close to you is involved in railroad accidents or rr crossing accident, including carpal tunnel and cumulative trauma injuries, it is critical to have an attorney who knows the Federal Employers' Liability Act and has experience in railroad laws. The FELA provides every railroad worker with the right to sue in state or federal court, however you are in control of the major decision-making in each case. After discussing your options with an experienced attorney, you can decide to accept a railroad settlement offer, make a different proposal, or go to trial.
The firm also has extensive experience representing clients in actions under the Federal Safety Appliance Act (FSAA) and the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA), which are related federal laws designed to protect the safety of railroad workers and to supplement the broader protections offered by the FELA.
Yaeger, Jungbauer & Barczak has been involved in FELA litigation since 1929. We know railroad law. We know how to thoroughly investigate your railroad accident, preserve evidence, deal with the railroad, get you the medical care you need, make sure all the necessary accident reports are filed, protect you from harassment and intimidation and advise you at every step. We will work hard to make sure you are compensated fully and fairly.
For additional information on railroad injuries and FELA see the Frequently Asked Questions or read our Accident Checklist.
Railroad Injury Law Firms
Contact the Railroad Injury lawyers of Yaeger Jungbauer & Barczak at their Minneapolis, MN law office or 24 hours a day at the toll free number 1-800-435-7888. The law firm also assists clients with cases involving FELA, personal injury, products liability, negligence, automobile accidents and aviation accidents. This information is designed for general information only and should be considered neither formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer client relationship.
