FELA
The Federal Employers' Liability Act, or FELA, provides benefits for railroad workers who are injured on the job. Railroad workers, like offshore workers, are vulnerable to accidents, injuries and illness because of the great variety of dangerous materials and activities that are integral to railroad work and construction. The FELA attorneys at Fitts Zehl, LLP have years of trial experience helping railroad workers obtain the financial compensation they deserve.
FELA Covers Injuries and Illnesses on the Job
The following is just a small sample of injuries and illnesses that may be compensated for under FELA:
- back injuries
- hearing loss
- lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis
- chemical solvent, diesel fumes exposure
- silicosis
- carpal tunnel
- ballast injuries to feet, legs, spine
An Injured Worker Can File a FELA Claim
When a railroad worker is hurt on the job or develops an illness due to conditions on the job, he or she can file a FELA claim with the goal of obtaining compensation from the employer (railroad) for the following damages:
- lost wages (past and future)
- the medical bills that aren’t covered by the railroad’s insurance and not already covered by the railroad itself
- the costs of having a permanent injury
- the worker’s emotional pain and suffering
Negligence Must Be Proven
Even if the worker was in part responsible for the injury or illness, he or she can still pursue a FELA claim. However, the FELA claim must show that the injury/illness was due at least in part to the negligence of:
- the railroad
- a contractor for the railroad
- an agent of the railroad, or
- another railroad employee
Contact Fitts Zehl About FELA Claims
If you or a loved one have suffered a railroad-related injury or illness, contact Fitts Zehl today for a free case evaluation with one of our experienced, qualified FELA lawyers.
Fitts Zehl Recent News
News Update: June 1, 2009, Fitts Zehl was named one of five "Power Lawyers and Law Firms of 2009" in Houston.
