What is the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)?
The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) is a special law that covers injured railroad workers. Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA claims are fault-based, meaning that you must prove negligence on the part of your employer. To receive all of the benefits you deserve, you will likely need a lawyer’s assistance.
At Hacker Murphy, our experienced lawyers are proud to offer a free consultation to review your on-the-job injury case and answer all of your questions. We represent employees of CSX Transportation (CSXT), Mohawk, Adirondack and Northern Railroad (MHWA), New York and Atlantic Railway (NYA), Albany Port Railroad (APD), Finger Lakes Railway (FGLK) and most other railroads in Upstate New York.
What Compensation Does FELA Offer?
FELA covers many types of damages that workers’ compensation will not cover. For example, workers’ compensation does not offer full wage replacement benefits or any compensation for damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of household services. Your right of recovery under FELA is limited only by the extent of your injury.
Unfortunately, many employers will seek to limit their potential liability. Shortly after you are injured, you may be contacted by a claims agent who will attempt to gather information that is favorable for the train company and unfavorable to your case. For example, the claims agent may try to shift blame for the accident from the railroad company to you. Any statements you make to the claims agent could be used to damage your case.
To protect your rights to full compensation, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Upstate New York Railroad Accident Lawyers
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Albany FELA claim attorneys. We can meet you at any of our regional offices located in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga Springs, or at a location more convenient for you.