On-the-job accidents
Falls, crush injuries, derailments, and injuries involving switches, couplers, defective tools, or unsafe footing.
Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)
Injured working
on the railroad?
Whether you were hurt in a single shift or got sick after years on the job, federal law may give you a right to seek compensation from the railroad.
01
A federal remedyFor covered railroad employees
02
Railroad negligenceMust generally have contributed
03
Three years to fileGenerally measured from when the claim accrues
Claims we review
Railroad injuries can happen in a moment
or build over years.
FELA can apply to sudden injuries, conditions that develop over time, and certain fatal injuries or illnesses. The circumstances of your work and how the harm occurred matter.
Repetitive trauma
Back, knee, shoulder, or hand injuries linked to repeated lifting, climbing, vibration, or years of physically demanding work.
Occupational illness
Lung disease or cancer potentially linked to asbestos, diesel exhaust, or silica, as well as hearing loss linked to prolonged workplace noise.
Who may qualify
Could you have
a FELA claim?
FELA is a federal law for covered employees of railroads engaged in interstate or foreign commerce. Your job duties may qualify even if you worked entirely within one state.
Conductors, engineers, track maintenance crews, signal workers, shop employees, and yard workers are examples. Former employees may also have claims for conditions linked to past railroad work.
Talk through your work historyWhat we’ll ask about
- Who you worked for
The railroad, your job duties, where you worked, and your employment dates.
- What happened
The accident, repeated tasks, or exposure, plus what the railroad could have done to prevent the harm.
- When you noticed the injury or illness
When you first had symptoms, received a diagnosis, or had reason to connect the condition to railroad work.
Frequently asked questions
How FELA works
Find out what the railroad’s role means for your claim, how timing works, and what compensation may be available.
How is FELA different from workers’ compensation?
FELA is generally fault-based. A covered employee typically must show that the railroad was negligent and that its negligence played a part in causing the injury or illness. Examples may include unsafe equipment, inadequate training, or failure to address a known hazard.
How long do I have to file?
FELA generally requires filing a lawsuit within three years after the claim accrues. For a sudden injury, that is usually the accident date. For a condition that develops over time, the deadline may depend on when you knew or reasonably should have known about the injury and its possible connection to railroad work.
What if I was partly at fault?
Partial fault generally does not bar a FELA claim. Compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. Special rules can apply if a railroad safety statute was violated and the violation contributed to the injury.
What compensation may be available?
Depending on the facts and evidence, an injured worker may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
Can family members bring a claim after a death?
FELA may allow the worker’s personal representative to pursue a claim for eligible beneficiaries when a covered railroad injury or illness results in death.
What if I was a contractor or no longer work for the railroad?
Coverage depends on the actual employment relationship and duties, so contractor situations need individual review. Leaving the railroad or retiring does not automatically rule out a claim for a condition tied to past railroad employment. Filing deadlines still apply.
Free case review
Tell us what happened.
Start with the railroad you worked for, what happened, and when you first noticed the injury or illness. If you have an incident report, job history, or diagnosis date handy, that can help with the conversation.
National Injury Attorneys
602-777-3333 Request a Review Online The online request opens the firm’s contact form.