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12 Companies Are Leading The Way In Fela Claims
FELA Claims and How to File Them

FELA claims are able to bypass the limitations on damages which are usually applicable to workers' compensation claims. However, railroad companies may try to minimize your claim if they doubt your injuries and their severity.

Knowing the nuances of fela claims can help you obtain fair compensation. It can make a significant difference to seek legal advice by lawyers who specialize in these cases.

What is the FELA?

The FELA is a federal law that was created to protect railroad workers. It allows injured workers to sue their employers and seek damages including medical expenses, wages lost along with pain and suffering and much more. In contrast to claims for workers' compensation, FELA allows monetary payouts to be decided by juries instead of according to a predetermined benefit schedule in state law. This allows employees to receive higher award amounts but also requires that they demonstrate their case.

In addition to FELA, there are other federal laws, such as the Locomotive Inspection Act and Railroad Safety Appliance Act which can strengthen a worker's case by making it easier to prove the railroad company breached workplace standards. These laws can help strengthen a claim if the incident occurred after the three-year time limit for FELA claims.

fela lawyers is essential to select a lawyer familiar with your specific field of work, as they will be able to guide you through the process more efficiently and quickly. If possible, find a lawyer who works with clients from your line of work because they might have experienced the same problems you face and can give you valuable advice based on their experience.

Another key point to remember is that the FELA does not bar contractors from filing injuries claims. Contractors are often used by larger rail companies on a temporary basis or for special projects but even if they're considered to be employees of the railroad, they can still be held liable under FELA when they're negligent in their job.

It's important to take your time when you fill out any forms that you're required to fill out as part of the FELA process, since they're often designed by the railroad's lawyers or claims department in order to collect information they could use to reduce your claim. Contact your union representative right away if you are unsure how to answer questions on the form. They will be able to tell you the options available. It's also crucial to take photos of any equipment or locations involved in your injury, and keep an eye on your expenses and the severity and nature of your injuries.

What are my rights as a citizen?

Many employees worry that filing a FELA claim could sour their relationship with their employer or lead to negative consequences. FELA prohibits employers from retaliating towards employees who seek compensation due to work-related injuries. Contact us if you believe your employer has violated FELA.

After you have been injured, your first priority should be seeking medical treatment as soon as you can. After you've stabilized it is recommended that you consult an FELA attorney with expertise. Our attorneys can explain the process and help you understand the options available to you. They can also help you file your claim.

If you file a claim with the railroad company, they are given 30-60 calendar days to respond. The court will then schedule an investigation plan in which both parties can share evidence. Paper discovery (documents, medical records and other documents.) and depositions of witnesses will be taken. Both parties may also file motions disputing some of the evidence.

It is essential to disclose the full extent of your injury. This includes future medical costs as well as other damages. This will allow our lawyers to pursue the highest amount you deserve.

The courts will assign an amount of fault to each party, which will affect your award. Our attorneys will help you fight for your rights in court, and we are not willing to go to trial if needed.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury, you may be in a position to settle your case without having to go to trial. Our FELA lawyers will assist you to negotiate with your employer to reach an agreement that is fair.

We will be your advocate throughout the duration of your FELA claim if you choose to hire us. We will assist you in filing your claim, address any questions your employer or insurance company might have, and assist in getting the right medical documents to bolster your claim.

We may even loan you money, with no interest, while your case is still pending. This can be very helpful when you're trying to pay your bills while waiting for your settlement. Contact us for a free consultation on the FELA claims process.

How do I submit a claim for compensation?

The first step in a successful FELA claim is to hire a skilled attorney. The attorney can help you prove that you are eligible and overcoming hurdles like the burden of proof. They can also aid you with filing your claim within the 3-year period of limitation. Additionally, a skilled attorney can make sure that you have necessary evidence to support your claim. This includes medical documents, incident reports, photographs and other evidence. Documentation is essential for FELA claims as it can help you prove that your injuries were caused by workplace-related accidents. It can also be helpful in proving that your employer was negligent.

The next step is to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries if possible. This is important not only for your health, but also for your injury claim. Get copies of your medical records to ensure that you have complete and accurate information regarding your case.

After receiving medical treatment, you need to inform your employer. You can do this by making an official accident report or notifying your supervisor of the incident. It is important to do this as quickly as possible because railroads begin collecting statements, photographs and other evidence when an injury occurs.

Your lawyer should have the information as early in your case as you can since memories fade and evidence disappears with time. This is why it's so crucial to get a skilled attorney as soon as you've suffered an injury.

When your lawyer has all the documentation they need, they will bring suit against the railroad. The FELA procedure is similar to personal injury lawsuits. Both sides conduct thorough investigations and talk about settlement options. If the parties can't agree on an agreement, they'll go to trial, where jurors or judges will rule on the case.

If you've suffered an injury on the job, FELA can provide you with compensation that is above and beyond those you would get under traditional workers' compensation. To learn more about this process and the services experienced FELA attorneys can help you, contact Schwartzapfel Lawyers today.

How long will my claim be?

The time frame to file a claim is dependent on a variety of factors, including the severity of a personal injury and if it's feasible to return to work. However, a knowledgeable FELA attorney will be able to gather and present the evidence needed to secure maximum compensation in federal court. The benefits could be used to pay medical bills as well as personal injury expenses and lost wages. In the event that a fatal accident occurs, a claim for wrongful death can also be filed for family members.

FELA claims are an excellent way to obtain compensation for railroad workers who are subject to unique risks. They also offer a better opportunity than workers compensation claims to secure additional damages. However the process is a bit complicated and requires a skilled lawyer to make sure that all issues are raised and addressed. The statute of limitations requires that the lawsuit be filed within three years of the date of injury.


When a lawsuit is filed the judge will usually ordain mandatory mediation and settlement conferences in an attempt to settle the case without going to trial. If the case isn't resolved at this point, it will go to trial where a judge will determine what damages are due to the employee who was injured.

As we've previously mentioned that obtaining all the required medical treatment for an effective FELA claim is essential. This is important, not only for your health, but also for the success of your claim. If a worker isn't getting adequate medical care and treatment, the business may be capable of arguing that the injuries are not as severe as they are claimed to be, and the suit could be dismissed.

Moreover, it's imperative to seek legal advice as soon as they can following an injury. A FELA lawyer can assist a victim through the whole federal court process and assist them in filing a successful wrongful death or workers' compensation claim. When seeking an lawyer or law firm, seek out those who specialize in FELA cases and have a proven track of success. Find out about their previous successes and seek recommendations from other railroad accident victims, union representatives, or colleagues.

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