Attention Injured Railroad Workers: How to Decide if You Need a FELA Lawyer After an Injury -- FELA Law Firm Provides Insight
Due to the level of potential hazards in the railroad industry, railroad workers are at a high risk of suffering serious, traumatic injuries while on duty. Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. provides insight for injured railroad workers as to why they need an experienced FELA attorney to help them obtain maximum compensation for injuries and losses. Read on to find out if you can benefit from consulting an experienced and knowledgeable FELA lawyer.
Houston, Texas (PRWEB) November 2, 2009 -- FELA attorneys across the nation are investigating lawsuits on behalf of railroad workers who have been injured on the job. There are two types of injuries that occur in the railroad industry: single event and cumulative. Single event injuries include broken bones, lost limbs, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other severe injuries that are caused by a specific event or accident. Cumulative injuries refer to injuries that develop over time, usually caused by repeating the same motion day in and day out.
Due to hazardous conditions, railroad workers are at an increased risk of being injured on the job. Railroad companies have a responsibility to ensure conditions are safe for their workers, and can be held accountable when workers are injured. Individuals who have suffered an injury while working for a railroad company may wonder whether they need an attorney to help them recover compensation.
According to Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., in most cases, the answer is yes. Railroad employees who sustain a relatively minor injury with little or no loss of work may be best served by seeking medical care from a doctor and dealing with the railroad's claim agent on their own. In cases where an injury appears to be minor, railroad workers should make sure to give themselves enough time before contacting the claim agent, to ensure the injury is not more severe than it seems.
Serious Injuries Call for Experienced Legal Guidance
Serious injuries resulting in permanent disabilities, disfigurement, or loss of work for more than 30 days require the help of an experienced personal injury attorney who has experience in handling FELA claims. An experienced FELA lawyer will know how to conduct a thorough evaluation of the case and help the injured recover fair compensation for their damages.
According to Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., railroad injury cases are not simple matters. In fact, the final decision in any railroad injury claim depends on several factors including how much time has elapsed since the accident, the type and severity of the injuries, whether the injuries are single-event or cumulative, negligence displayed by the railroad, and negligence displayed by the railroad employee him/herself.
The Evidence
Even if the accident seems straightforward and is of obvious fault of the railroad, there are specified facts that must be proven in FELA cases, including:
- At the time of injury the employee was, in fact, working for the railroad company (performing a duty required by the railroad). FELA also covers traveling on behalf of the employer.
- The injury can be directly tied to the accident that took place while working for the railroad company. In cases involving cumulative or repetitive motion injuries, the affected railroad worker must be able to prove the injury was caused from repeating the same action over and over throughout the course of your employment. He/she will also need to rule out life style issues as the cause, e.g., riding a motorcycle in whole body vibration cases.
- The railroad company displayed clear negligence. This can include knowingly allowing an employee to use faulty, old equipment or requiring him or her to work in unsafe conditions.
FELA attorneys know what to look for in railroad accident cases and will dig deep beneath the surface to find proof of negligence.
Comparative Negligence
Ina any FELA case, the railroad company will have its own legal team fighting aggressively to counter the plaintiff's claims. They will look for any signs of negligence displayed by the railroad at the time of the accident. This is known as comparative negligence. In the event that comparative negligence can be proven, the verdict will be reduced. This means, the total amount of recoverable compensation for damages will be reduced based on how much personal negligence can be proven.
Maximum Compensation
In any injury claim, the bottom line is recovering enough compensation to cover the damages incurred. Of course, a person's health cannot be restored, but a monetary award can help make things easier as it can provide relief from the cost of medical bills, medication/devices for treating long-term disabilities, 24-hour care when necessary, and lost wages when serious injuries prevent a person from working.
FELA Attorneys Here to Help
Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. is a FELA law firm comprised of attorneys who are committed to helping injured railroad workers. Serving clients, nationwide, Gordon & Elias provides complimentary, no-obligation consultations for injured railroad workers and their families. Though they are not "Designated Legal Counsel", they know exactly what to do and they do it. DLC are not the only FELA lawyers and there are many factors that go into receiving a DLC status.
Fela Law Help is a resource for injured railroad workers. The website is sponsored by FELA attorneys. For more information about or need a lawyer, or to schedule a private, FREE consultation, call Fela Law Help today at 1-800-773-6770 or visit www.felalawhelp.com.
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