Yes. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) covers injuries caused by faulty railroad equipment. Under FELA, an injured worker must typically show that the railroad’s negligence played a part in the equipment failure.
However, if the railroad violated a federal safety statute, the railroad is automatically liable, and the worker does not need to prove negligence. If you are a railroad worker who was injured on the job, consider getting legal help with your case.
Poolson | Oden has recovered over $32 million for injured accident victims in the last five years alone. Stay on Track with Poolson Oden Law Firm and Don’t Get Railroaded®.
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What Is FELA and Why Does It Apply to Railroad Workers?
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) enables railroad workers to file negligence claims against their employer for injuries suffered on the job or while being transported to/from the job. It specifically covers employees working for railroads involved in interstate commerce, unlike most other industries.
FELA claims can be more complex than regular workers’ compensation claims. However, FELA allows injured railroad workers to pursue compensation for losses caused by their employer’s negligence.
To succeed under the FELA, workers must prove that the railroad’s negligence played at least a part in the injury. Poolson | Oden assesses each defective equipment claim against this standard to decide the appropriate course of action.
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How Does FELA Differ From Workers’ Compensation?
State workers’ compensation systems typically pay benefits without requiring proof of fault, but they also limit the types of damages a worker can recover. FELA operates under a fault-based negligence standard instead.
Because FELA usually requires proof of negligence, it allows recovery of damages not available under most workers’ compensation systems, including compensation for pain and suffering. This distinction affects how a defective equipment claim gets evaluated and valued from the outset.
Railroad workers are protected under FELA instead of state workers’ compensation laws. Poolson | Oden can help you understand the steps to take after an on-duty railroad injury rather than relying on workers’ compensation rules.
What Qualifies as Defective Railroad Equipment Under FELA?
Equipment is considered defective if it does not work properly because of a mechanical issue, lack of proper maintenance, or a design problem that the railroad either knew about or should have found during a reasonable inspection.
Federal regulations set clear standards for railroad equipment, such as couplers, brake systems, and grab irons. If the equipment does not meet these standards at the time of an injury, the difference between the regulations and the actual condition of the equipment is key to the claim.
Establishing that equipment was defective typically requires maintenance records, inspection reports, or an expert evaluation of the equipment. Poolson | Oden requests these records as part of the claim investigation process.
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What Types of Defective Equipment Lead to FELA Claims?
FELA is codified under 45 U.S.C. § 51–60. It was established back in 1908 to address the hazards of railroad work, and its legal framework still applies today. Workers still face some of the same dangers FELA was meant to address, such as:
- Couplers that do not lock or release according to design specifications.
- Brake systems that fail to hold or release as required.
- Handholds or grab irons that fail under rated load conditions.
- Walkways or steps affected by corrosion or structural wear.
Railroads are responsible for maintaining equipment and meeting safety standards. Poolson | Oden will review maintenance records for these and similar components, since wear or improper repair are common defects identified in claims involving falls.
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What Evidence Establishes Negligence in a Defective Equipment Case?
Maintenance logs and past repair requests show that a railroad knew about a problem with the equipment before someone got hurt. Inspection reports required by federal rules provide more information about the equipment’s condition.
Witnesses, such as coworkers who saw the equipment fail before the accident, can give testimony. Pictures taken after the injury also support the case. If the equipment is kept, it can be directly examined.
Retention schedules govern records of maintenance and inspections and may be modified or disposed of over time. Our team seeks these records early in the claims process to ensure they are preserved before they become inaccessible.
Get Help With Your FELA Defective Equipment Case
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act provides coverage for injuries resulting from defective railroad equipment. However, if the railroad breached a federal safety regulation, it becomes automatically liable, and the employee is not required to establish negligence.
If you are a railroad worker who has suffered an injury while on the job, our dedicated legal team is here to support you. We can help you understand your rights under FELA and pursue the compensation you are entitled to after your accident.
With more than 80+ years of combined legal experience, the attorneys at Poolson | Oden have dedicated their practice to protecting the rights of injured railroad workers and other accident victims.
Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your defective railroad equipment injury.
