Railroad work is one of the most physically taxing and dangerous occupations. Each year, thousands of workers sustain injuries or lose their lives in railroad accidents. If you’re a railway worker who has suffered an injury in a train collision, derailment or any other incident, you may be able to file a claim against your employer under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
While most employees in this nation are protected by the workers’ compensation system, railroad workers are not. Instead, they are covered under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Passed by Congress in 1908, FELA was designed to protect railroad workers from unreasonable safety hazards and compensate them for any injury sustained as a result of their work.
What kinds of injuries can you seek compensation for under FELA?
Under FELA, you can seek compensation for traumatic injuries sustained on the job. Additionally, you can seek compensation for occupational illnesses, repetitive motion injuries and injuries that aggravate certain pre-existing conditions. Common FELA claims involve injuries that may result from the following:
- Stress and strain to your joints
- Getting hit by a train car
- Mishaps involving train couplers
The possibilities for an injury while working in this demanding field are virtually endless.
What are the time limits for filing a FELA lawsuit?
The statute of limitations requires injured workers to file a claim for their injury within three years from the date of the accident. You risk getting your claim thrown out if you file after the expiration of the three-year timeframe.
If you have sustained an injury during your railroad work, you may consider filing a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). However, before moving forward with your claim, it is important that you understand how FELA works in order to increase your chances of filing a competent lawsuit that will get you the compensation you deserve.
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