Chicago Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) Attorneys
Chicago Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) Lawyers – Protecting Injured Railroad Workers
If you are a railroad worker in Chicago who has been hurt on the job, you have special rights under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). At Phillips Law Offices, our experienced lawyers are dedicated to helping injured railroad employees and their families get the compensation they deserve. We offer a free consultation and are ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (312) 598-0917.
What is the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)?
The Federal Employers Liability Act,  or FELA, is a piece of legislation that helps federal employees to recover compensation for an injury that was suffered on the job. So in cases where a railroad worker is injured on the job, they do not typically file a workers’ compensation claim; instead, they file a FELA claim, which is a separate system designed to assist injured railroad workers much in the way that workers’ comp helps other injured workers. This is just one of the many case types that our Chicago truck accident lawyers handle on behalf of clients like you.
The railroads pose many dangers for injury, particularly serious injuries, or even death due to the involvement of such large pieces of machinery. While a FELA claim can help railroad workers recover damages when they are injured in a workplace accident, it’s important to note that this system does require you, as a worker, to clear more hurdles than you would need to confront if you were filing a workers’ compensation claim.
For this reason, it’s important that you trust your case to one of the region’s most experienced law firms. At Phillips Law Offices, our legal team is here to help guide you through the process of filing a railroad injury case and working through the often complex FELA claims process.
If you’re an injured railroad worker who’s seeking to file a claim through FELA, we invite you to contact an experienced employer liability attorney at Phillips Law Offices. Our attorneys will help you to file a claim for help filing a railroad injury claim following a workplace accident. We will work hard to prove that your employer was negligent in a manner that ultimately resulted in your injuries.
Your Rights as an Injured Railroad Worker Under FELA
As a railroad worker covered by FELA, you have the right to seek compensation if you are hurt on the job due to your employer’s negligence. This can include accidents caused by unsafe equipment, lack of proper training, or failure to follow safety rules. Even if you were partly responsible for your injury, you can still recover damages—your compensation may just be reduced by your share of fault.
To win a FELA claim, you must show that the railroad company or a co-worker did not provide a reasonably safe work environment. This could mean not fixing broken equipment, not warning about hazards, or not giving you the tools you needed to do your job safely. The law is designed to encourage railroads to keep their workplaces as safe as possible.
FELA covers a wide range of injuries, from sudden accidents to illnesses that develop over time, like those caused by exposure to toxic substances. If you have lost a loved one due to a railroad work injury, FELA also allows families to file a wrongful death claim.
Types of Railroad Workplace Injuries and Claims We Handle
Traumatic Injuries
Traumatic injuries are sudden and often severe injuries that happen in an instant, such as broken bones, joint sprains, or pulled muscles. These can occur from falls, being struck by equipment, or accidents involving moving trains or railcars. Workers might need emergency medical care, surgery, or long-term rehabilitation to recover from these injuries.
Crushing and Amputation Injuries
Railroad workers sometimes face crushing injuries when caught between heavy machinery or railcars. These accidents can result in serious harm to multiple body parts and may even lead to amputation of fingers, hands, arms, or legs. Such injuries are life-changing and often require extensive medical treatment and support.
Repetitive Stress and Cumulative Trauma Injuries
Some injuries develop slowly over time from doing the same motions repeatedly, like lifting, bending, or operating equipment. These repetitive stress injuries can affect the back, knees, shoulders, or wrists, causing pain, swelling, and weakness. Even though these injuries are not sudden, they can be just as serious and are covered under FELA.
Occupational Diseases and Exposure Injuries
Railroad workers are often exposed to loud noise, chemicals, or dust on the job. Over time, this can lead to hearing loss, lung problems, or even cancer. FELA covers these occupational diseases if they are linked to unsafe working conditions or lack of proper safety measures.
Aggravation of Pre-Existing Conditions
If a railroad job makes an existing health problem worse, such as increasing back pain or causing an old injury to flare up, workers can still file a FELA claim. The law recognizes that work conditions can aggravate previous injuries or illnesses, and compensation may be available if the job made the condition worse.
Our team also helps with claims where injuries develop slowly over time, such as hearing loss or joint problems from years of repetitive work. No matter the type of injury, we are committed to helping you get the compensation you need to recover and support your family.
How Our Chicago FELA Lawyers Help You
When you contact Phillips Law Offices, our first step is to listen to your story and review the details of your injury. We gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and work with experts to build a strong case that shows how the railroad’s negligence led to your injury. Our lawyers know what it takes to prove fault under FELA and are ready to stand up to large railroad companies on your behalf.
We handle all negotiations with the railroad and their insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our goal is always to get you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
Throughout the process, we keep you informed and answer any questions you may have. We know how stressful this time can be, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
FELA Compensation: What Can You Recover?
If you win your FELA claim, you can recover money for a wide range of losses. This includes payment for your medical bills, both now and in the future, as well as lost wages if you are unable to work. You may also be able to get compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
FELA allows for higher compensation than regular workers’ compensation because it covers damages that are not available under state law, such as full lost earnings and pain and suffering. If your injury has left you permanently disabled or unable to return to your previous job, you can also claim for loss of future earning capacity.
If you have lost a loved one due to a railroad work injury, FELA provides for wrongful death damages, which can help support your family during a difficult time.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Railroad Workplace Injury
Report the Injury Immediately
As soon as you are hurt, tell your supervisor or manager about the injury. Reporting your injury right away helps create an official record and makes it easier to prove your claim later. Be honest and clear about how the accident happened and what injuries you have.Seek Medical Attention
Get medical care as soon as possible, even if you think your injury is minor. A doctor can check for hidden injuries and provide a medical report, which is important for your claim. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for treatment and keep all your medical records.Document the Accident and Gather Evidence
Write down everything you remember about the accident, including the time, place, and what you were doing. Take photos of the scene and your injuries if you can. Collect names and contact information of any witnesses who saw what happened. This information will help support your claim.Do Not Sign Anything or Accept Settlements Without Legal Advice
The railroad company or their insurance might ask you to sign papers or offer you money to settle quickly. Do not sign anything or accept any offers until you have spoken with a FELA lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and make sure you get fair compensation. Contact a FELA Lawyer
Reach out to an experienced FELA attorney as soon as you can. A lawyer will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the process. Having legal help increases your chances of getting the compensation you need to recover and support your family.
Why Choose Phillips Law Offices for Your Railroad Injury Case?
Phillips Law Offices has decades of experience representing injured railroad workers and their families in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Our lawyers understand the unique challenges of FELA claims and have a proven track record of winning cases against major railroad companies. We take pride in offering personalized service and aggressive representation for every client.
We know how important it is to get results, especially when you are facing medical bills and lost income. Our team will work tirelessly to make sure your case is handled with care and attention to detail. We are always available to answer your questions and keep you updated on your case.
Choosing Phillips Law Offices means you have a dedicated team on your side, fighting for your rights and your future. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
Railroad Workers FAQ: What is FELA and How Does it Work?
The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) offers compensation to injured railroad workers. FELA was established around the turn of the century, as this was an era that saw a significant growth of the railroad industry. From the timeframe between 1889 and 1920, the United States saw six-fold growth in the nation’s railroads, which led to greater awareness of the many dangers facing railroad workers.
As a result, FELA was enacted in 1906, but the U.S. Supreme Court initially declared the law to be unconstitutional. It was ultimately reworked and passed in 1908, providing railroad employees with benefits that are similar to those offered through workers’ compensation.
To recover compensation through a FELA claim, you must prove that your employer was negligent and that his negligence was the cause of your injuries. Under FELA, railroad employees do not get a pre-determined sum as you would receive with workers’ compensation (which typically pays a set percentage of your salary, in addition to covering certain medical and rehabilitation costs.) Instead, FELA allows workers to file a railroad injury lawsuit, and a jury can issue an award for losses, including pain and suffering.
Notably, railroad employees are entitled to full compensation. FELA payouts typically result in a greater sum than one might see with workers’ compensation benefits, which only cover a portion of losses.
What Are the Different Types of Railroad Negligence?
When filing FELA claims, attorneys must prove that A) an on-the-job injury occurred; B) the railroad was negligent in some way, and C) that negligence is in some way related to the worker’s injury. Partial fault can serve as sufficient grounds for a claim to proceed.
There are several ways that a railroad operator or company may be found negligent in causing your injuries. Typically, there must be some element of negligence present in your case in order for your FELA lawyer to successfully recover compensation for your losses.
For instance, the company may fail to provide appropriate workplace safety training for all of its employees. Alternatively, the railroad may not provide the appropriate protective devices and tools that a worker needs to be safe. If a supervisor or another railway company employee acts in a negligent manner, the company could be found liable.
It’s important to investigate your accident and identify railroad operator liability before filing a claim. This is where an experienced Chicago employment liability attorney can be helpful, as we work with experienced investigators and experts who can offer useful insight and expert witness testimony in your case.
What Is Employers liability?
Employers’ liability refers to the legal obligation of employers to provide a safe and healthy working environment for their employees. It is a form of insurance that protects employers against claims made by employees who have suffered injuries or illnesses in the course of their employment. Employers have a duty of care to their employees, which includes providing proper training, maintaining safe working conditions, and addressing any potential hazards or risks in the workplace. If an employee is injured or becomes ill due to the negligence of the employer, they may be entitled to file a claim for compensation under employers’ liability insurance.
What Compensation Can Be Secured on My Behalf?
A successful claim under FELA can help you recover compensation for a number of damages and losses, including:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Emotional Suffering
- Losses arising from permanent disability.
FELA settlement amounts and jury awards vary depending upon the nature and severity of your injuries and your ability to recover from your injuries.
You don’t have to suffer a sudden, traumatic injury in order to be eligible for a FELA claim. Toxin exposure and repetitive stress injuries suffered over a period of time, such as back strain, are valid FELA claims. FELA settlements can help you rebuild your life following workplace injuries.
If you have suffered injuries in a railroad accident, lawyers with Phillips Law Offices are here to help. We understand how devastating these types of injuries can be and the situation can be compounded when these work injuries are caused by the negligence of your employer. It’s important to begin the process of filing a claim immediately, as this maximizes your chances of seeing a positive resolution to your case. The longer you wait, the more challenging it becomes to resolve your railroad injury case in a favorable manner, as witness memories can fade, evidence can disappear, and so on.
Contact Us for a Free FELA Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured while working on the railroad, call Phillips Law Offices at (312) 598-0917 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our office is conveniently located in Chicago, and we are ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.