Why You Need a FELA Lawyer After a Railroad Injury A railroad injury can affect you physically, emotionally and financially The railroads do not like to have to pay FELA claims and will do everything they can to minimize your recovery A seasoned FELA lawyer will take all of the factors into consideration when evaluating the full extent of your injuries and determining how much you are rightfully owed FELA The Federal Employers' Liability Act FELA ensures that railroad workers who are injured receive the financial support they require However the law is complex and requires a thorough knowledge of railroad operations as well as safety regulations and legal procedures A FELA attorney has specialized knowledge that can be extremely helpful to solve difficult issues A FELA claim can be a source of damages for medical expenses as well as loss of earnings and future lost earning capacity It is important to keep in mind that workers are eligible for these benefits if they can prove that the railroad company or equipment maker was negligent A FELA lawyer can assess your case and provide a preliminary assessment They can also create a strategy for you to receive the maximum amount of compensation If you are injured while working it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention Immediately after an injury, it's important to gather as much information as possible This includes taking photos and video of the accident, obtaining names and phone numbers of witnesses, obtaining copies of any documents related to your injuries and keeping other evidence like work clothing, tools or medical equipment that could be crucial in establishing the liability It is critical to consult with an FELA attorney right away following an injury and before providing an unrecorded statement to the railroad's claims department or its lawyers The railroad's lawyers and its own attorneys can use any statement you make to sabotage or diminish the amount of compensation awarded in damages A knowledgeable FELA lawyer can analyze the details of your case, provide any questions and determine whether you're qualified to file an action https//vimeocom/708086194 with a FELA lawyer is absolutely free and they can evaluate the quality of your case, and advise you on next steps The types of injuries that can happen on the railroad are often serious These injuries often result in long-term health issues including brain damage, paralysis, mesothelioma and other serious ailments Often these injuries can cause significant financial strain as hospital bills and insurance premiums increase An experienced FELA lawyer can help you fight to get the compensation you deserve Work-related Diseases Railroad workers are at risk of occupational illnesses as a result of repeated straining in certain body regions The repeated trauma wears out joints and muscles faster than other parts of your body This causes muscle and joint problems in hands, shoulders, hips and knees These injuries are often accompanied by an increase in pain, numbness, weakness, and other issues Railroad workers are at risk of developing serious conditions such as mesothelioma This is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos These ailments can cause severe suffering and pain and financial strain as medical costs start to rise A FELA lawyer with experience can help railroad workers injured receive the medical treatment they require and receive the full compensation they deserve This includes not only the medical expenses that are currently and in the future but also the loss of wages and benefits from the past and in the future injuries, pain and suffering, and emotional stress A lawyer can defend the rights of a patient to choose the doctor they want to treat them with The railroad's supervisor or other employees may try to influence the selection of a doctor, but they have no legal authority to do this The amount of money recouped is also influenced by the quality of the evidence used to justify the claim Accidents involving railroad tracks, equipment shops and offices could cause severe injuries Most common are broken bones, cuts, burns head trauma, and spinal cord injuries Certain railroad accidents can result in the loss of limbs and these severe injuries can change a worker's entire life Amputees have to learn to adapt to their new lifestyles and must face the challenges of learning how to walk, hold an occupation, focus, and think clearly Amputation sufferers also experience mental stress and reduced quality of living Unlike workers compensatory system, FELA allows for claims that cover all of these non-economic damages Cumulative Injuries The first 30 days following a railroad accident are critical Contacting a seasoned FELA lawyer as soon as you can is crucial Having an experienced train accident lawyer on your side from day one can significantly enhance the quality of your case and the amount of compensation you receive By investigating your claim, an attorney can help establish the railroad's FELA obligation This usually involves taking photos of the area where the accident occurred, chatting with witnesses, and inspecting the tools or equipment which caused the injury Evidence could disappear in time or disappear Injuries resulting in cumulative trauma are common within the railroad industry FELA allows employees to pursue these claims If you do file a cumulative trauma claim the three-year statute limitations could prevent you from recovering damages for your injury Our railroad injury lawyers have experience in cumulative trauma injuries and have been successful in pursuing these kinds of cases Unlike worker's compensation, FELA claims allow you to pursue your employer for past and future lost wages, current and future medical expenses including pain and suffering and aggravation of pre-existing ailments as well as loss of enjoyment life, mental anguish, and physical disfigurement The amount you are owed will be determined by a jury, not a workers' compensation board that has never met you If you sustain an injury while working, it is important to report the incident to your employer as soon as you can This will ensure that the railroad is aware that you have been injured and that you receive the proper medical treatment If the railroad asks for a recorded statement, or a Cumulative Trauma Questionnaire to be filled out, you should consult your attorney prior to submitting it Do not consent to go to a doctor authorized by your employer to treat your injuries Your attorney can provide you with a list of approved doctors that you can select from Keep an account of your medical treatments and do not let your railroad company force you to pay for unnecessary or untimely care Death Railroad employees are often exposed to dangers that can be fatal If a worker dies as the result of on-the-job injuries and injuries, the FELA statute permits the family members of the deceased to recover damages Compensation could include funeral expenses as well as loss of future earnings, medical bills, and other financial losses It is important to hire an attorney with a deep understanding of the law and familiarity with FELA cases A FELA lawyer can help railroad workers in filing a claim, by collecting evidence and providing expert testimony The lawyer can also aid in the negotiation of a settlement If a settlement cannot be reached, the case could be tried A FELA attorney who has experience knows how important it is to present strong evidence to the jurors to increase the chances of getting a favorable verdict He or she can assist a client in gathering medical records and other documents They may also interview witnesses and testify FELA claims are different from state workers' compensation claims because railroads are held to a higher standard of safety Railroad employers must provide proper training as well as safe equipment and tools as well as the proper working procedures They also have to inspect their work sites regularly and to fix any safety hazards they discover Railroad companies could be found to be negligent if they do not perform their obligations or permit unsafe practices or procedures to continue even after an accident has occurred If you've suffered an injury on the job, it is important to take action right away and receive the medical care that you need Do not give an unrecorded statement or take part in a reenactment or reenactment of the incident Also, don't sign a medical consent form that grants railroads access to your medical records Don't let the supervisors or railroads interfere with your medical treatment by telling you to see a doctor they approve of You should consult an expert you trust and tell all doctors about your work-related injury If you have suffered an accident or illness as a result of your work at the railroad, you should consult a FELA attorney can help you get the maximum amount of compensation under the law Contact a qualified attorney as soon as you can to help you navigate the three-year FELA statute of limitations