Although modern safety practices and technological advancements have made railroad work much safer, it is still one of the most dangerous industries. As a railroad worker, you have protections not afforded to workers in other industries. Unfortunately, taking advantage of those protections when you need them most can be challenging, especially when dealing with severe pain and health complications.
Suffering an injury or illness because of your work is devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially. You need a steadfast advocate who will stand on and by your side, fighting for the compensation you need to make your best recovery. That’s where OnderLaw comes in.
Guidance from a Webster Groves railroad injury lawyer at our firm can make your life easier after an accident or illness. In addition to explaining the unique rules applicable to railroad workers, our experienced injury attorneys will support you throughout your healing journey. We want to help you take back your power.
Most workers in Missouri and around the United States have access to workers’ compensation insurance purchased by their employers and governed by state laws. However, railroad workers are a notable exception. Rather than state-level regulations, railroad employees who get hurt or sick while working are covered by the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). This legislation has been around for over a hundred years and functions as the federal equivalent of workers’ compensation for rail workers.
Unlike workers’ comp, FELA does not hold railroad companies automatically liable for job-related injuries and illnesses sustained by their workers. This means a rail worker’s employer will not automatically cover basic economic losses like medical bills and a portion of lost wages. Instead, filing a FELA claim is similar to filing a traditional personal injury claim directly against a railroad employer.
If negligence by your railroad employer contributed to your work-related injury or illness in any way, our Webster Groves attorneys could help hold them liable under FELA. We can work to recover compensation for every one of your losses, not just the basic ones covered by traditional workers’ compensation. At OnderLaw, we understand how devastating a railroad injury can be, and we are with you every step of the way in seeking the payments you deserve.
A successful FELA claim can account for the economic and non-economic repercussions of an injury or sickness caused by a railroad company’s misconduct, including:
Railroad workers generally have three years to file a FELA claim after an injury or illness. This is shorter than the five-year filing deadline for most personal injury cases in Missouri. The sooner you reach out to the Webster Groves lawyers at OnderLaw, the sooner we can begin supporting you throughout the railroad injury claim process. We don’t just take on cases; we take on causes.
Railroad work is hazardous compared to many other types of employment—you deserve protection and support if you get hurt on the job. That said, enforcing your rights under federal law can be complex, especially without experienced legal representation on your side.
A Webster Groves railroad injury lawyer at OnderLaw will be your guiding hand when you need us most. We are proud of our commitment to helping our injured friends and neighbors take back their lives. Call us today to get started.
