TRAIN ACCIDENTS: FELAIN JACKSON, MS 

The Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) was enacted to protect injured railroad workers and offer them a remedy after an injury due to the negligence of a railroad company. Before FELA, railroad workers had no form of remedy if they were injured due to a railroad company’s negligence. FELA isn’t exactly like worker’s compensation though, because it’s a fault based system. The injured worker will have to prove that their injury was the result of negligence on the part of the railroad company. Since railroads involve a lot of heavy and fast-moving equipment, it’s essential for injured workers to have options if they’re injured. If you or a loved one has been injured on the railroad, you need to contact a personal injury attorney with train accident experience as soon as possible.

On-The-Job Railroad Injuries and FELA 

Injuries on the railroad can be catastrophic, devastating and even fatal. Trains carrying hazardous materials can also put workers at risk for certain exposure-related illnesses. Railroad companies have a duty to ensure they’re in compliance with all federal safety regulations, so that their workers have safe working environments. A variety of different types of injuries can occur in the railway industry. Some injuries that can occur due to railroad company negligence are loss of limb, Mesothelioma, paralysis, traumatic brain injuries, severe lacerations and fractures. If a railroad worker is severely or catastrophically injured on the job, he or she can be permanently disabled with no way to pay for medical bills and every day expenses.

Proving Negligence and FELA

In any FELA case, it will be necessary to prove that the railroad company’s negligence caused the accident that caused your injury. These cases are time sensitive, so the sooner you get the ball rolling on your case, the better chance you have at a favorable outcome. The investigation needs to be thorough and comprehensive to determine if your accident could have been prevented. Attorneys and investigators need to be experienced and well versed in federal regulations and laws related to FELA. Since railroad companies owe a reasonable duty of care to their employees and workers, it’s essential to determine if injury-causing accidents could have been prevented.