Each year railroad workers are injured or killed while on the job. The number of job accidents is increasing due to a number of factors including reduced work crews, infrequent maintenance and the failure to provide safe working conditions.
Injured workers are entitled to receive compensation under the provisions of the U. S. Federal Employers’ Liability Act. This Act says that a railroader is entitled to recover damages from his company if the following facts exist:
- When the railroad he/she works for is engaged, even in
small part, in interstate commerce; that is, it either runs
across state lines or handles interstate freight. - When injury to the worker is the result, even in part, of the negligence of any officer, agent or employee of the railroad, or the injury is caused by any defect in the cars, engines, appliances, machinery, track, road bed, or other equipment of the carrier.
The amount of money an injured railroad worker is entitled to recover is decided by two factors:
- (a) how serious his/her injuries and losses are; and
- (b) whether he/she can show that his/her injury was in some way, or in some part, due to the fault of the railroad, the negligence of any of its employees, or some defect in equipment, tools, or any unsafe working condition.
Contact us and we will help you determine if you have a viable case under the FELA. Our toll-free number is 800-323-5538.
