Losing a loved one in a railroad accident is a devastating experience that no one should have to go through alone. If you’re unsure where to turn for help in seeking justice and compensation for your family, our Lafayette FELA railroad wrongful death lawyers are here for you.
The Lafayette FELA railroad accident lawyers at Poolson | Oden have secured over $30 million on behalf of our deserving clients in the last five years alone. We will put your family’s needs first and provide personalized legal service to help you Stay on Track™. To learn more about how we can help you during this difficult time, contact us today. We offer free confidential initial consultations.
Our Lafayette Railroad Wrongful Death Attorneys Have Extensive Experience With FELA Cases
Because railroad workers don’t have access to workers’ compensation insurance coverage, they must turn to the protections provided in the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) when they suffer injuries. For those who lose loved ones in on-duty railroad accidents, the FELA also provides access to wrongful death compensation.
Because FELA cases are so niche, few Lafayette personal injury attorneys have the experience to handle them effectively. However, at Poolson | Oden, we have 80+ years of combined experience in FELA cases, making us a valuable resource for railroad workers and their families.
From the moment you call and speak to one of our field representatives or team members to the day your case concludes, your Lafayette railroad injury lawyer will fight hard to:
- Gather all available evidence to prove the railroad company’s negligence caused your loved one’s death
- Determine whether your case would be more likely to succeed in state or federal court and file it accordingly
- Research and conduct jury focus groups to learn and understand more about the venue and jurisdiction of your case to better position the case for a successful outcome
- Negotiate for fair compensation on your behalf
- Prepare for and proceed to trial, if necessary
Don’t Get Railroaded®. Our extensive prep work and experience help our Lafayette FELA wrongful death lawyers stand out from the competition.
Our Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyers Don’t Charge Any Upfront or Out-of-Pocket Fees
One of the primary concerns our clients have is how they will pay for our services. If you are reeling from a loved one’s passing, no longer have access to their income, and are unsure how you’ll be able to pay for a wrongful death attorney, you can breathe a sigh of relief because Poolson | Oden works on a contingency fee basis.
You won’t have to pay us any upfront legal fees. We’ll cover all the ongoing costs of your railroad wrongful death claim, and we only get paid from any amounts we recover for you – so you are never out of pocket for any attorneys’ fees. Our payment will come from your settlement or judgment, so you won’t have to pay us anything out of pocket. If we don’t get money for your family, you’ll owe us nothing.
To learn more about our fee arrangement and the services our Lafayette personal injury lawyers can provide for you, contact us today at Poolson | Oden.
Don’t Get Railroaded ®
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today to Get Back On The Right Track.
What Damages Are Available in FELA Wrongful Death Claims?
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 42 railroad workers passed away due to injuries suffered in on-duty accidents between 2020 and 2023. Each of these victims and their families experienced different losses, and the compensation they qualify for depends greatly on the severity of those losses.
For example, we recovered $5.75 million for the wife and children of a railroad conductor who suffered fatal injuries in a train explosion. However, the families of other accident victims will qualify for settlements or court awards that are unique to them.
The following wrongful death damages are generally recoverable under FELA:
- The decedent’s final medical expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Any pain and suffering the decedent experienced before their death
- Current and future lost financial support and employment benefits
- Loss of services
- Loss of companionship
These damages are generally available to the decedent’s spouse, children, and/or other financially dependent relatives.
Can You Handle Your Claim Without a Lafayette FELA Railroad Wrongful Death Lawyer?
You are not legally required to hire a Lafayette FELA on-duty railroad accident attorney to assist with your wrongful death claim. However, securing legal representation has many benefits that make it well worth it. For example, your lawyer can:
- Protect your family’s legal rights while you take time to grieve
- Use their extensive knowledge to gather evidence that will be helpful in proving your case, such as expert witness testimony and railroad company safety reports
- Ensure you don’t leave any money on the table that you qualify for
- Represent you in negotiations and in court, if necessary, to ensure the defendant doesn’t take unfair advantage of you
Let us take a huge burden off your shoulders. We will fight for your family while you concentrate on honoring your loved one’s memory and defining your new normal.
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The Deadline for Filing a FELA Wrongful Death Claim in Lafayette, Louisiana
Another benefit of hiring a Lafayette railroad wrongful death lawyer is that they can ensure your case meets all necessary legal deadlines, including the statute of limitations. Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), you generally have three years from the date of your loved one’s death to file a lawsuit against their negligent employer.
Time can pass quickly while you’re grieving, and some evidence may be time-sensitive, so we encourage you to notify our law firm of your situation as soon as possible. As soon as you hire a Lafayette FELA railroad wrongful death attorney from our team, we’ll take over all the hard work of your case and let you rest assured that a legal professional is doing everything possible to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Let’s Get You back On Track.
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Get a Free FELA Wrongful Death Consultation Today
Whether your loved one passed away due to severe burns, a traumatic brain injury, toxic chemical exposure, or another serious injury suffered while working on the railroad, our team at Poolson | Oden is here to help you. Our Lafayette FELA railroad wrongful death lawyers will walk you through the legal process from beginning to end while you focus on your emotional well-being.
We offer free wrongful death consultations, so you have nothing to lose by talking to us. Contact us today to get started.