The Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) is some of the nation’s oldest social legislation, and it specifically addresses the matter of injured railroad workers. FELA represents important protections for covered employees, but it is also exceptionally complicated. If you’re a railroad worker who’s been injured by your employer’s negligence, the best path forward is with an experienced Hampton FELA claims attorney in your corner.
In order to be compensated through FELA as an injured railroad worker, the following must apply:
Railroad work is undeniably dangerous work, and your employer owes you a considerable duty of care (which means the company has a responsibility to your safety) as a result. This duty includes adhering to the following safety precautions:
As a railroad worker, you are covered by an entirely different retirement benefits system than most other employees are. When you retire, instead of looking to Social Security, you will draw your retirement benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), which is headquartered in Chicago. While the Social Security benefits that most people draw are similar to RRB benefits, there are several primary distinctions, including that RRB benefits have an additional level (Tier II) available.
Tier I of RRB basically mirrors the benefits employees receive from Social Security. Tier II, however, is exclusive to railroad workers, and it is comparable to a private pension via a payroll deduction program that includes your employer matching funds. In this Tier II system, you are credited by the months of service you put in, and the following apply:
Keeping track of your creditable months of service to the railroad is recommended (to help ensure that your service is accurately reported and compensated).
The practiced Hampton FELA claims attorneys at Hampton Injury Law PLC recognize the serious challenges that railroad workers face and are committed to fighting for their most advantageous claims resolutions and retirement benefits. To learn more, please don’t wait to contact us today.
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