FELA Claims Lawyers Suffolk

Filing a claim using the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is different from traditional workers’ compensation. While workers’ compensation covers most industries when someone is hurt, FELA is specific to the railroad industry. Rail workers are entitled to file claims under FELA and be able to get compensation for injuries related to and caused at the workplace. You will likely need to find FELA claims lawyers in Suffolk to assess your claim and ensure it is processed correctly. 

Railroad Injuries In Suffolk

Working on a railroad is a dangerous profession, and even if employees followed all safety precautions, accidents could still occur. Some injuries happen due to a specific accident, and others result from repetitive motion or strain. Some of the most common railroad injuries that our FELA claims lawyers see include:

• Neck and back injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Burns
• Spinal cord injury and paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Nerve damage
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Respiratory injury
• Mesothelioma or lung cancer
• Chemical burns
• Internal injuries

While these are the most common, they are not the only injuries you can sustain while working on a railroad. Sustaining an injury causes a physical strain on victims and a financial strain as well. You will be unable to work and will need to supplement your income somehow, which is the intention of FELA benefits. The key is to obtain proper medical care and ensure your FELA claim is approved. 

FELA Claim Compensation

The critical difference between FELA claims and workers’ compensation is fault. A workers’ compensation claim is no-fault, so the injured worker does not need to prove a claim to obtain benefits. FELA claims, however, are based on fault. An injured worker will be required to show that the injury sustained was due to the negligent actions of their employer or other relevant parties. There are some common acts of negligence that lead to railroad injuries, such as:

• Improper train operation
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of worker training
• Negligent supervision
• Defective equipment 
• Unsafe working conditions

You need to report your injury regardless of how it occurred and seek medical attention. By reporting the incident, you create a paper trail for your claim. There have also been instances where workers are discouraged from reporting inquiries or are not offered treatment. 

Speak With A Fela Claims Lawyer In Suffolk Today

Since negligence is crucial in these claims, it is essential to have a FELA claim lawyer on your side. A lawyer will work to prove that negligence was the cause of your injury and, therefore, you are entitled to compensation. You may be entitled to damages:

• Out of pocket express
• Medical expenses
• Loss of limb 
• Pain and suffering
• Disability 
• Permanent disfigurement
• Wrongful death 

A successful FELA claim can help ease some of the financial repercussions you have faced from this accident. If you are a railroad worker in Suffolk and have been injured on the job, contact Hampton Injury Law by filling out our contact form today.