Protecting Whistleblowers & The Injured

Recoverable damages in a FELA claim

On Behalf of | Oct 13, 2022 | Fela Claims

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) provides protection from unreasonable work hazards to railroad workers injured on the job. If an accident arises from negligence by the railroad company, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

For most parts, a FELA claim is unlike ordinary workers’ compensation claims. For instance, you can file a lawsuit against your employer for compensation under FELA, and the damages you can claim are more diverse than those in workers’ compensation. Below are the damages you can claim as a railroad worker injured in the line of duty.

Economic and non-economic damages

You can claim direct and indirect losses arising from your injuries. Some of the damages you can recover in a FELA claim include:

  • Lost wages 
  • Decreased earning capacity
  • Medical expenses and associated expenses in the future
  • Mental and emotional suffering
  • Physical pain
  • Partial or permanent disability, among others

Like any other personal injury claim, your damages must be directly tied to the injuries from the railroad accident. In the end, the value of your claim is relative to the damages you suffer, and it is crucial to ensure you do not leave anything out.

Protecting your FELA claim

As a railroad worker who has suffered a workplace accident, you should be aware of your legal rights and safeguard them. For example, many workers do not know that they are still entitled to benefits for accidents they partially contributed to, while others are unaware that their FELA claim may be legally time-barred if they delay taking action.

Understanding how FELA claims work and how you should go about bringing a claim will help you look after your interests. It will also boost the chances of getting sufficient compensation for your injuries. Therefore, you need to reach out for assistance when filing a FELA claim if you are unsure about what you ought to do.

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