Railroad Injuries Law You could be eligible for compensation if you were injured in a railroad accident Depending on the circumstances, you could be able to get compensation for your medical bills and lost income/wages or impairment, emotional trauma, or loss of a loved one A knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer can help prove that someone else is accountable for the accident and may be able to claim compensation for your losses FELA Federal Employers' Liability Act which is also known as FELA safeguards railroad workers who suffer injuries on the job The law was enacted in 1908 to enable railroad workers to sue their employers in the event that they suffer injuries while working FELA also states that railroads must offer workers with a safe environment It means that the railroad has the responsibility of ensuring that its tracks, equipment and offices, shop, and property are safe for all employees of the railroad To assert a claim for compensation under FELA it is necessary to show that the defendant in the case - for instance, the railroad - did not provide you with a reasonably secure work environment and that you suffered injuries due to the failure If you prevail in your FELA case, you may get compensation for the railroad's negligence in exercising reasonable care FELA allows employees to file a claim with the courts within three years from the date of the injury This is important as time can pass and evidence could be lost A seasoned FELA lawyer can assist you to determine whether you have a good case The lawyer can also help to determine how much you are entitled to FELA claims are typically filed directly with the railroad company, but they are also able to be brought to federal or state courts as well A FELA lawsuit can be a difficult process, and it is vital that you have the best attorney in your corner to ensure your rights are secured Work-related diseases When employees are injured in the railroad industry They can seek compensation from their employer under FELA the Federal Employers Liability Act FELA is designed to shield employees from worksite injuries, but it also allows employees to claim compensation for illnesses or diseases that they contracted during the course of their employment Work-related diseases can have many reasons, but are usually triggered due to exposure to hazardous products or the environment of the workplace Certain diseases are well-known, for instance, asbestos-related cancers, or carpal tunnel syndrome However, other diseases are largely unknown Railroad workers are frequently affected by asbestos-related lung disease or other respiratory ailments These conditions can cause breathing problems and make working more difficult and result in a decline in productivity and a higher cost for the company Hearing loss is another common problem among railroad workers It can be a result of regular exposure to industrial noise or as a normal part of ageing Trigger finger carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and epicondylitis are all examples of occupational musculoskeletal conditions These are difficult and painful, but are usually manageable https//vimeocom/708646502 can cause death These cases must be reviewed and examined by a lawyer who specializes in FELA law An employee must prove that his disease is not the result of an accident at work such as fractured legs or brain injuries The employee must be able to prove that the illness isn't due to other factors An employee must provide medical evidence in addition to evidence that the injury caused the condition It is also essential that the relationship between the injury, the illness and the injury are well documented in medical research This is necessary to ensure that a claim for workmen's compensation will be granted Sickness Benefits There are a myriad of benefits available to railroad workers who suffer injuries at work These include medical expenses such as sickness benefits, supplemental sickness benefits, and disability annuities These benefits are managed by the RRB Federal Railroad Medicare provides basic health insurance for hospitals that is paid through payroll taxes It also provides an additional medical insurance plan to railway employees who do not have employer-sponsored health coverage like through the RRB Sickness benefits are paid for any day that you are not able to work due to an on-the-job injury or illness These benefits are available for a limited period of time based on the number of creditable months you have, as well as the nature and extent your disability You could be eligible for a total disability insurance if are completely disabled from working in any field or have less than 120 creditable hours but more than 240 The medical requirements for this type of disability are similar to those under Social Security Disability, but there is no requirement that you be qualified to perform any substitute job Supplemental sickness benefits are able to be claimed at the same amount as normal sick or unemployment benefits, provided that the employee is not receiving wages or sick pay from any railroad, non-railroad, or other employment, in the time that they are eligible The employee must fill out an Application for Sickness Benefits The employee must also have the doctor complete an Statement of Sickness form If you've been injured while working it is a great idea to start a claim as quickly as possible after the incident The more information you can gather regarding the incident, the better your chances of getting an equitable settlement In addition , get copies of bills, invoices, and receipts, take photos of any damages or injuries you've sustained Medical Care Whatever your position, whether you're working as an engineer, conductor, maintenance worker or another railroad job it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after any accident Furthermore, you have the right to see any doctor you wish to see and not only the one selected by the railroad You should also keep meticulous records of any injuries you sustain in order to note them down later These notes are used to back your case if you decide to take the railroad to court The Federal Employers Liability Act FELA protects most railroad workers and permits them to sue their employers for damages caused through workplace accidents and illnesses It can be difficult to navigate the FELA and it is vital to have an skilled FELA attorney by your side Discuss your options for medical treatment with your FELA Designated Counsel as soon as you can after any work-related injury This will include determining the type of medical insurance you'll have, which doctors and facilities will be the most appropriate for your treatment and also how and when your medical bills will be paid A lot of railroad workers have some type of health insurance They are priced differently and provide a range of coverage These plans can be PPO's, HMO's, that provide a variety medical facilities and doctors but also have the option of deductibles, percentage payments, or private hospital association policies that have lower out-of-pocket costs and no lifetime caps Once you've received the medical treatment you require, it is essential to keep accurate records of your treatment as well as any other expenses These documents should include a description of your accident, a note from your medical professional, and any documentation regarding your treatment that your doctor believes is relevant to your particular situation Representation Railroads are an incredibly complex industry with a variety of dangers These accidents can result in serious injuries for both workers and passengers These accidents can also cause emotionally and financially devastating trauma for the families of the victims Whether you're a conductor, passenger or railroad worker it's vital to understand that you are entitled under federal and state laws to pursue compensation from a negligent train operator or a company A skilled and knowledgeable railroad injury lawyer can help determine your options and seek justice If you've been injured as a result of a railroad accident it is essential to seek legal representation immediately Although you may be able to file an entitlement to workers' compensation benefits, these are limited and rarely pay for medical expenses loss of wages, the pain and suffering Your employer might be able to get additional damages from the FELA law which was enacted in 1908 and safeguards the majority of railroad workers These claims aren't easy to pursue and require a lot of knowledge of the law Your FELA attorney can explain the specifics of your case, gather essential evidence and pursue negligent employers for compensation in United States District Courts or state courts throughout the country Another form of compensation your FELA lawyer may be eligible to pursue is non-economic damages These damages are based on the quality of life and include things like your future earning capacity, the loss of enjoyment from your current lifestyle, and mental stress If you're a train passenger or railroad employee, getting the compensation that you deserve is vital to your recovery A skilled lawyer for railroad injuries can assist you in pursuing these damages and more in a civil lawsuit