Lawsuits are not everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you are hurt while working for a railroad company, you need to pursue compensation for the resulting damages. This is where the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) comes in. This federal law was enacted to protect and compensate railroad workers who are injured at work.
As long as an injured worker can prove that their injury was work-related and that the railroad company was negligent, then the employer can be held liable for the resulting injury. While filing your FELA claim, you can choose to start your lawsuit at the state or federal court.
Eligibility for FELA claims
Any railroad worker who sustains a work-related injury can file a FELA claim. If your employer’s negligence led to any of the following injuries, you should consider seeking compensation:
- Occupational conditions like hearing loss
- Amputation and disfigurement
- Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue and ligament injuries
How do you prove negligence during your FELA claim?
Like in many legal matters, to win your FELA claim, you must show negligence on the part of the railroad company. Additionally, your injury must be attributable to the railroad company’s negligence. Here are some of the negligent actions that lead to a worker’s injury:
- Understaffing that results in overworked employees
- Lack of workplace safety guide
- Lack of training on workplace safety and procedures
- Inadequate equipment for the job
How much time do you have to file your FELA claim?
In Connecticut, you have three years from the date of your injury to file a FELA claim. It is important to understand that this statute of limitations is set by federal law. You risk missing out on the financial restitution you are entitled to if you do not file your claim within the statute of limitations period.
Railroad accidents can leave you with life-altering injuries. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and interests while pursuing your FELA claim.