Lafayette FELA Railroad Accident Lawyer

At Poolson | Oden, we represent workers who are covered by the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and are injured on the job. If you suffered injuries while working on the railroad in Lafayette, LA, our team is here to help you. You can trust a Lafayette FELA railroad accident lawyer from our firm to manage your case and fight for the money you need and deserve. 

A Lafayette railroad injury lawyer at Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers know how to navigate these cases and win compensation based on negligence, injuries, and damages. We have secured over $30+ million in the last five years, alone. We can help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation. 

What Damages Can I Recover in a Lafayette FELA Railroad Injury Case?

A serious railroad accident can leave workers unable to return to their jobs, facing mounting bills and navigating complicated paperwork (Work Status Forms) from the carrier, all of which can create significant financial and emotional stress. Filing a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) serves two main purposes: first, to hold the railroad accountable for its negligence in causing or contributing to the injury; and second, to enable the injured worker to recover fair compensation for their losses (such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses), so they are not left to bear the financial burden of a workplace injury alone. The compensation available under the FELA is broader than standard workers’ compensation and may also include damages for future lost earning capacity, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. Additionally, the FELA can serve a broader purpose by encouraging safer practices and working conditions throughout the railroad industry.

Our Lafayette railroad injury lawyers can help clients pursue money damages such as: 

• Lost income while out of work
• Diminished earning capacity for long-term injuries
• Medical expenses and related future costs
• Emotional distress
• Physical pain and suffering
• Reduced enjoyment of life

When a railroad worker tragically loses their life due to work-related injuries, their family has the right to seek accountability from the railroad and pursue compensation for their profound loss. Our experienced team is here to help guide you through the legal process, explain your options, and advocate for your family’s interests every step of the way. If you have lost a loved one in a railroad accident, contact our Lafayette personal injury lawyers today to discuss your next steps and learn how we can support you through this difficult time.

Trust Our Lafayette Railroad Accident Lawyers With Your FELA Case

At Poolson | Oden, our railroad injury lawyers have the case results to prove we know how to navigate these claims and get justice for our clients. Our team has over 80+ years of combined experience fighting for compensation for injured railroaders and their families. We also represent clients on a contingency fee agreement, meaning that you do not pay anything out of pocket, and we are paid only from the amounts we recover for you. If we do not win, you owe us nothing!

As a part of Our Promise to You, we always put your best interests first. This begins when we take on your case. We invest our time and resources in your medical recobery and case. We protect your medical treatment, and preserve evidence in your case while you heal. Our focus is on getting you the care and support you need to reach maximum medical improvement during this time. While you are recovering and getting better, we learn and understand your prognosis so we are able to fully evaluate you entire case and demand fair compensation for you and your family.

As a part of pursuing a FELA case, we use all available resources to give your case the best chance of winning the compensation you deserve. It is the work we do before we ever enter the courtroom that sets us apart.

Our Lafayette FELA Railroad Accident Attorneys Hold Companies Responsible for Workers’ Injuries

Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), railroad workers can pursue a fault-based claim against their employer and hold the carrier accountable for injuries that occurred. These claims are unlike traditional workers’ compensation claims, which are no-fault cases that do not allow for recovery of general damages from their employers. 

Railroad workers are not covered by standard workers’ compensation; instead, they rely on the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) to seek compensation when injured due to their employer’s negligence. Below is an edited version:

Railroad workers do not have access to traditional workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Instead, they must rely on the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) to hold their employers accountable when:

• The railroad fails to provide a safe workplace—such as by violating safety regulations set by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) or other safety guidelines—or is otherwise negligent;
• The employer’s (carrier’s) negligence causes or contributes to an accident; and
• The railroader suffers injuries that require medical care as a result.

The FELA provides a legal pathway for injured railroad workers to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to their injury, attaching liability to the railroad carrier when its negligence causes or allows workplace accidents and injuries to occur.

FELA claims require following specific procedures and filing paperwork correctly within a given time frame. Mistakes could mean losing the right to sue or losing specifics claims or the case, entirely. There are no second chances with FELA claims. It is a “zero sum” situation, and you will either win your case or walk away with nothing. 

This is why it’s so important to work with a legal team that understands the unique challenges of railroad injury cases under FELA. Most general workplace injury attorneys simply do not have the specialized knowledge or experience required to effectively handle these claims. Our team focuses on FELA cases and has the expertise necessary to develop, file, and manage your case from start to finish—giving you the best possible chance at a successful outcome.

Our Lafayette FELA Railroad Injury Attorneys Know How These Injuries Occur

To recover compensation in a FELA claim, you must have evidence to show that your employer was negligent. This usually occurs by failing to provide a safe work environment, poor training or oversight, or violating FRA regulations. We will obtain this evidence and build a robust case against them.

Unfortunately, railroad workers can get hurt on the job in many ways. The industry is inherently dangerous. Some common mechanisms of injury include: 

• Slip and falls from uneven surfaces, wet platforms, or moving trains
• Crush injuries that occur while coupling or uncoupling cars or working near heavy equipment
• Repetitive stress injuries (“cumulative trauma” injuries) from using tools or equipment over time
• Exposure to hazardous materials like diesel fumes or solvents
• Train collisions or derailments
• Electrical shocks from faulty wiring or contact with power lines
• Falling objects such as tools or cargo

These accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including different types and severities. Some possible railroad worker injuries include: 

• Spine injuries to the neck or back
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Amputations
• Trauma, stress, and body vibration, known as cumulative trauma
• Burn and explosion injuries
• Workplace exposure and cancer
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional injuries
• Wrongful death

If you have serious injuries and want to pursue compensation for your damages, we are here for you. Our team of railroad accident attorneys will handle your FELA claim, ensuring we complete and file all necessary paperwork accurately and correctly. These cases have strict rules we must follow. Missing a deadline or submitting incorrect documents could prevent you from recovering fair compensation. 

Generally, the federal statute of limitations in these cases is three years per 45 U.S.C. § 56. However, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin building your case, the better. Contact us as soon as possible.  

Talk to Our Team About Your Railroad Workplace Injury With Our Lafayette Team

At Poolson | Oden, we provide free consultations for victims hurt while working on the railroad. We can assess your case to determine how a Lafayette FELA railroad accident lawyer from our team can help you. Stay on Track. Contact our team today to get started.