If you’re a railroad worker injured on the job, you’re protected under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) – a federal law created to provide a path to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. At Poolson | Oden, our New Orleans FELA on-duty railroad accident lawyers, who are Designated Legal Counsel for several unions, know the ins and outs of FELA claims, helping injured railroad workers like you seek justice and the financial support you deserve.
Railroad injury cases are complex, requiring a team that understands how to prove negligence, gather medical evidence, and build the strongest case possible. Unlike general workplace injury cases, FELA claims demand a deep understanding of both the law and the specific risks you face every day.
Don’t take on this fight alone. Contact our dedicated New Orleans railroad injury lawyers for a free consultation to start your journey toward fair compensation and recovery.
Our FELA On-Duty Railroad Accident Lawyers Go Above and Beyond for Clients
Our New Orleans personal injury lawyers are dedicated to providing specialized, hands-on support for railroad workers navigating complex FELA claims. Handling these niche cases isn’t just part of what we do; it’s where we excel.
Our team goes beyond standard legal representation, offering a strategic approach to every detail of your case, from medical records to trial preparation, ensuring that each client receives personalized attention and robust advocacy.
A Dedicated Team for Every Client
Our clients are backed by a full team committed to maximizing your claim. From the moment you reach out, our welcome specialist ensures you feel heard and supported.
Our medical records coordinator works closely with your healthcare providers, embodying our “Legal Follows Medical” promise: prioritizing your health first, then pursuing your case to closure. Our trial attorneys and litigation trial team with the assistance of your assigned case manager collaborate and prepare your case for a powerful outcome, whether by settlement or trial.
Personalized Case Preparation and Strategy
We pride ourselves on thorough, personalized preparation. We work with our extensive nationwide network to identify the best possible courts and venues to bring your case in order to create the best possible environment for each client’s case. Our team even runs mock jury panels and focus groups to better understand potential outcomes, giving us insight into strategies that lead to fair compensation.
With a boots-on-the-ground approach, in-depth case preparation, and a team ready to push back against aggressive defendants, we bring a comprehensive, client-centered approach to every FELA claim.
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Damages for Victims of a Fela On-Duty Railroad Accident
Railroad work comes with unique risks that can lead to serious injuries, each with long-term physical and financial impacts. We understand the challenges you face after an on-duty injury and the compensation you’re entitled to seek under the FELA.
Common injuries in railroad accidents include broken bones, back and spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and repetitive stress injuries. Such injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may affect your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. Beyond the immediate pain, these injuries can lead to lifelong conditions, affecting your quality of life and financial stability.
Under the FELA, you have the right to pursue compensation that goes beyond basic medical expenses. Compensation can cover:
- Medical bills for treatments, surgeries, therapy, and future care
- Lost wages for time missed from work due to injury recovery
- Loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your former duties
- Pain and suffering to address the physical and emotional toll of your injuries
- Mental anguish for lasting emotional impact and stress
Our New Orleans FELA attorneys work diligently to build a comprehensive claim that reflects the full scope of your losses. We bring in expert witnesses, analyze medical records, and push for the highest compensation possible so you can focus on healing without the financial burden.
On-duty railroad accidents can result from a variety of causes, often stemming from the unique challenges and hazards of railroad work. We understand these dangers and the responsibility employers have to prevent them. Recognizing common causes and taking proper legal steps can help ensure you’re compensated fairly under the FELA.
Common Causes of On-Duty Railroad Accidents
Railroad accidents can happen for many reasons, many of which are preventable with adequate safety measures. Some of the most common types include but are not limited to:
- Trips and Falls: Railroad yards and tracks can present tripping hazards due to uneven surfaces, loose gravel, and obstacles that may not be adequately marked.
- Equipment Malfunctions: Faulty machinery and tools, as well as unsafe equipment conditions, often lead to serious injuries that could be avoided with regular maintenance.
- Train Collisions and Derailments: Whether due to signaling errors, track defects, or human error, these incidents are highly dangerous and can lead to catastrophic injuries.
- Lifting Injuries: although railroad work is labor intensive, there are lifting requirements that the carrier should not expect you to violate. Meaning, if you are required to lift 75 pounds, but the railroad orders you to lift heavy loads great than 75 pounds, and you injure yourself when lifting the heavy loads, then you may have a claim for compensation for your on-duty injury due to the railroad’s negligence.
FELA requires railroad employers to provide a safe working environment, which includes regular equipment inspections, clear hazard signage, and employee training on safety procedures. When they fail to meet these standards, workers have the right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by employer negligence.
The Sooner You Seek Help for an on-Duty Railroad injury, The Better
Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), railroad workers injured on the job generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing the right to seek compensation entirely, no matter how serious your injuries are.
While three years may seem like plenty of time, it’s essential to act quickly. Gathering evidence, obtaining medical records, and building a strong case can take time, and key details can fade as time passes. In some cases, injuries or symptoms might not be immediately apparent or develop over time. This could impact the start date of the statute of limitations.
If you’re unsure about your timeframe, Poolson | Oden can help you assess your situation and determine the best course of action.
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Let Our New Orleans FELA Lawyers Help With an On-Duty Railroad Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in an on-duty railroad accident, you don’t have to face the challenges alone. We’re here to guide you through the FELA claims process, advocate for your rights, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. With our New Orleans FELA on-duty railroad accident lawyers by your side, you’ll have a dedicated team committed to protecting your future and your recovery.
Don’t wait—reach out today for a free confidential consultation to discuss your case, understand your options, and take the first step toward justice and financial security. Call Poolson | Oden now and let us put our experience to work for you.