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FELA Railroad Lawsuit & Settlements

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Why Do You Need an Attorney for FELA Railroad Settlements?

If you’re a railroad worker who has suffered an injury on the job, you deserve independent legal counsel to ensure your rights are protected. Before you accept a FELA settlement, make sure your real costs have been fairly assessed with an experienced FELA injury attorney.

There are many unique challenges and risks that come with working in the railroad industry. Workers undertake these risks on condition that safety mechanisms are in place to prevent danger, and that you’ll be compensated for any work-related injuries that may occur. Your rights as a railroad worker are outlined in the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).

FELA was established to ensure that injured railroad workers have a legal avenue to seek compensation whether their injuries are a result of long-term exposure, accidents, or negligence. Because railroad companies have an incentive to downplay your costs and their liability for FELA claims, this is why you need your own experienced FELA injury lawyer by your side.

With years of experience in handling railroad worker injury cases, The Lyon Firm is committed to advocating for your rights and helping to secure the compensation you deserve. On this page, you’ll find valuable information about the FELA legal process, common types of railroad-related injuries, and the steps you can take to protect your interests

We believe that every railroad worker deserves fair treatment and just compensation for their injuries. If you’ve been injured on the job, please contact The Lyon Firm online or by calling (513) 381-2333 for immediate assistance.

Your well-being and future are our top priorities, and we are here to guide you through the complexities of FELA railroad lawsuits.

What Can You Expect From a FELA Settlement?

FELA settlements are typically the result of negotiations between your attorney and the railroad company’s legal representatives or insurance company. FELA settlements typically cover various types of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical bills related to your injury like surgeries, medications, and follow-up appointments.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for past and future income lost due to your injury, as well as other job related benefits like retirement contributions or health insurance.
  • Pain and suffering: These are damages related to the physical and emotional toll of the injury. This could include PTSD after a traumatic accident, or compensation for any permanent disabilities.
  • Punitive damages: In some cases where gross negligence is proven, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the employer and deter future negligence.
  • Wrongful death: FELA provides the right for surviving family members to sue the railroad company for wrongful death after the loss of a loved one.

Having an attorney who is experienced in FELA cases can significantly impact your case’s outcome. A skilled lawyer understands how to negotiate effectively and advocate for your best interests.

Our goal at The Lyon Firm is to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and any other losses resulting from your railroad-related injury. We have represented individuals against massive national and international corporations, and achieved significant verdicts and settlements for workers and their families.

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY

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ABOUT THE LYON FIRM

Joseph Lyon has 17 years of experience representing individuals in complex litigation matters. He has represented individuals in every state against many of the largest companies in the world.

The Firm focuses on single-event civil cases and class actions involving corporate neglect & fraud, toxic exposure, product defects & recalls, medical malpractice, and invasion of privacy.

NO COST UNLESS WE WIN

The Firm offers contingency fees, advancing all costs of the litigation, and accepting the full financial risk, allowing our clients full access to the legal system while reducing the financial stress while they focus on their healthcare and financial needs.

Your employer may not be your friend. The railroad company may try to challenge your injury claim, and build a counter-case using their own doctors. This is why it’s essential you obtain a medical opinion from your doctor, or from qualified specialists. The Lyon Firm can help you access the medical and financial experts you need with our network of professional connections. Contact us at (513) 381-2333 to discuss representation.

What Are the Most Commonly Claimed FELA Injuries?

Railroad worker injuries covered under FELA claims may include, but are not limited to:

  • Toxic exposure injuries from substances like diesel exhaust or hazardous cargo materials, including asbestosis and lung cancer due to asbestos exposure
  • Accidental injuries due to train derailments or crashes, including both physical and psychological conditions
  • Injuries caused by negligence like train track defects, crossing signal malfunctions, conductor failures, inadequate training, or improper maintenance
  • Occupational conditions such as hearing loss or repetitive strain injuries
  • Wrongful death due to injury, infection, or other liable causes (like exhaustion due to an unsafe work schedule)

If you’re hurt on the job as a railway worker, your injuries and losses deserve to be fully covered. The Lyon Firm can help ensure you secure all that you’re entitled to receive.

How Does a Lawyer Help Your FELA Lawsuit?

An experienced lawyer can play a critical role in helping with your FELA lawsuit in several ways:

  • Legal knowledge and research: FELA is a complex area of law, and having a lawyer who is well-versed in FELA cases means you have someone with in-depth knowledge of the statute, its requirements, and how to navigate the legal process effectively.
  • Evidence gathering: Your lawyer will help gather and preserve evidence crucial to your case. This can include accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonies to establish negligence on the part of the railroad company.
  • Calculating damages: Your attorney will help you assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We’ll work with medical and financial experts if needed to ensure you are compensated appropriately.
  • Negotiation and representation: FELA cases often involve negotiations with the railroad company or its insurance carrier. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. If a reasonable settlement cannot be agreed upon, your attorney can also represent you in a trial. However, it’s rare that these cases go to trial as it is in the railroad company’s best interest to settle lest they are ordered to pay more.

If a settlement offer is made, your lawyer will review it carefully to ensure it’s fair and in your best interest. We can advise you on whether to accept the offer or pursue litigation. The choice of how to proceed will always rest on your preference.

Having a skilled FELA attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your interests and help you obtain the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured while working on the railroad.

Contact FELA Railroad Injury Attorneys

FELA covers all railroad employees, including those who work for interstate railroads. It does not cover employees of state and local governments or some small, local railroads. If you have been injured as a railroad worker and need clarity on your rights, it is important that you consult with a FELA injury attorney right away.

Why Hire The Lyon Firm

The Lyon Firm has years of experience representing injured workers on railroads, ships, and other industrial jobs that cross state or international lines. Joe Lyon is motivated to use the law to help families overcome medical and financial hardships, and make changes to prevent others from suffering the same types of harm.

FELA covers a wide range of injuries, including those resulting from accidents, exposure to hazardous materials, and repetitive stress injuries. It also covers occupational illnesses related to working on the railroad. You may be entitled to various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation. These funds could help improve your health, and ensure financial stability for your family.

Don’t go up against the railroad company alone — contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 as soon as possible. Your case’s success is essential for you, and may also play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of other workers by holding the railroad company accountable for workplace safety violations.

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A Voice for Those who have suffered

Why are these cases important?

Rightful compensation for plaintiffs can recover sizable settlements and can help pay for mounting medical expenses and other damages that may include long-term disability, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and lost wages. During some of the toughest times in a family’s life, The Lyon Firm can be of assistance.

CONTACT THE LYON FIRM TODAY

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FELA Injury Lawsuit FAQs

Why is there a unique process for FELA railroad claims?

The U.S. Congress passed protective legislation in 1908 requiring railroad companies to provide workers’ comp benefits for their employees in the event of a workplace injury. Prior to this legislation, many workers were being injured due to unsafe working conditions ordered by the company management officials. Not only were workers being injured at an ever-increasing rate, but companies also weren’t being held accountable in the court system.

The result of the employment injury problem was the Federal Employer Liability Act of 1908 which is still enforced today.

Do I need to prove negligence to file a FELA claim?

Generally yes, to file a FELA claim, you need to prove that your employer or the railroad company was negligent in some way, and that this negligence contributed to your injuries.

However, this is your attorney’s job if you hire representation, not yours — our team will research your injury, compile medical records, and eliminate other potential causes of your injuries. When presented, this collection of evidence makes a strong case for you to receive compensation.

What is the difference between workers’ compensation and FELA claims?

Workers’ compensation and FELA claims are two distinct legal systems in the United States. The most important difference between them is that workers’ comp is a “no fault” system, while FELA is an “at fault” system.

This means that a FELA claim requires proof of negligence on the part of the railroad in order to pay out. This is why you need an attorney to represent you — a case must be presented, and we will handle that work on your behalf.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a FELA claim?

The general rule under FELA is that you have 3 years from the date of your injury to file your lawsuit. While that may sound like a long time, if you are out of work, the settlement amount may be crucial to your survival or your chance to afford a full recovery with proper medical care.

Time is of the essence. Contact The Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333 so we can begin work right away and ensure every deadline is met on your behalf.

Your Right to Justice

Filing Occupational Injury Lawsuits

Many of my clients come to me in the hardest moments of their lives. They’ve suffered an occupational lung disease injury, they’ve lost a family member, their health and financial situation has deteriorated. These are serious losses that they may not be able to overcome.

It’s a fear of the future and uncertainty that has driven them to come to a lawyer and to ask, “What available legal rights are there?” in order to add some security for their future. The Lyon Firm takes the lead and guides clients through the process of filing catastrophic workplace injury lawsuits.

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