Illinois FELA Railroad Injury Lawyer

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is a legal statute that protects the rights of railroad workers in the event that their employer’s negligence causes them injury. But if you’ve never been in this situation before, it can be hard knowing where to start.

An Illinois FELA railroad injury lawyer can help you make sense of FELA, so you understand how it applies to your case. Our legal team at Poolson Oden will listen to your side of the story and provide advice on how to pursue compensation, while also handling all negotiations.

With dedicated support in your corner, you can focus on your recovery while we take care of your claim. Don’t Get Railroaded®. Use our 80 years of combined experience and resources to fight for your rights.

Damages Available for FELA Railroad Injuries

For many FELA railroad injuries, you may be able to claim damages for both economic and non-economic losses. This could include medical costs, rehabilitation fees, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disability, and more.

Illinois has a modified comparative negligence system in place, which means you are usually barred from recovering damages if you are more than 50% at fault. However, FELA railroad injuries are governed by federal law instead of state law.

As such, pure comparative negligence rules apply, so you can recover compensation even if you are partially at fault. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are able to recover $50,000 in damages but are found to be 10% at fault, your compensation will be reduced to $45,000.

FELA Railroad Injury Cases We Handle for Our Clients

At Poolson Oden, we understand the devastation that railroad injuries can cause and how they impact both workers and their families. That’s why we’re committed to protecting others and serving our clients in the best way possible.

Contact us if you need help from an:

• Illinois FELA On–Duty Railroad Accident Lawyer: If your injuries occurred while you were performing your allocated job duties, you may be able to pursue compensation. Our attorneys can help you determine whether negligence played a role.
• Illinois FELA Railroad Accident Amputation Lawyer: Some railroad accidents are so severe that they lead to amputation. Losing a limb massively impacts your life, and we’ll help you recover the funds for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and more.
• Illinois FELA Railroad Chemical Exposure and Cancer Lawyer: Long-term exposure to harmful substances can lead to serious illness. Our team connects medical evidence to workplace exposure and pursues damages tied to these conditions.
• Illinois FELA Railroad Spine Injury Lawyer: Some railroad accidents lead to spine injuries that can cause lasting pain and make it hard to return to work. We’ll seek compensation for ongoing medical costs to help ease the financial burden.
• Illinois Railroad Worker Crossing Accident Lawyer: When workers are hurt at crossings, it could be because of safety failures, faulty warning systems, or poor conditions. We’ll work to identify what went wrong and who is responsible.
• Illinois Railroad Crossing Pedestrian Accident Lawyer: Poor visibility and faulty signals can lead to pedestrian accidents. Our team will work hard to investigate every detail and pursue claims against all responsible parties.
• Illinois FELA Railroad Wrongful Death Lawyer: In the deeply unfortunate event that you lose a loved one due to the railroad company’s negligence, our lawyers will fight for a fair settlement.

This list covers some of the main types of cases we handle, but we’re happy to discuss your unique situation. Every client has access to our A+ team, made up of a welcome specialist, case manager, field representative, medical records coordinator, and experienced trial attorneys, so you get a more in-depth and personalized service.

How FELA Impacts Your Railroad Injury Claim

Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), you have the right to file a claim against your railroad employer if their negligence played a role in your injury. However, you must have the evidence to prove that this is the case.

That’s why it’s so important to document everything. You should gather as much evidence as you can through photographs, surveillance footage, official accident reports, medical records, training records, witness statements from coworkers, and anything else that might be relevant.

It is the railroad company’s responsibility to provide secure working conditions through proper training, following important safety protocols, and ensuring all equipment is in good working order. If they neglect their duty, they can be held responsible under the rules of FELA.

Who Is Liable for a Railroad Injury in Illinois?

Multiple parties may be liable for a railroad injury. This is usually based on negligence and whether it contributed to the accident taking place.

Potential parties that may be responsible include:

• The railroad company if they failed to maintain a safe working environment
• Equipment manufacturers if defective tools or machinery caused your injury
• Third-party contractors responsible for track and equipment maintenance
• Other employees whose negligence contributed to the accident

Identifying the liable party will depend on the circumstances of your case. However, FELA claims are only made against your employer, with other third-party claims following state law. An attorney can help with figuring out who is at fault so you know where to start.

Get in Touch With an Illinois FELA Railroad Injury Lawyer Today

We’ve spent decades helping railroad workers and other union members who have suffered injuries while on the job. Our Illinois FELA railroad injury attorneys understand what it takes to fight in your corner and protect your rights throughout every stage of the process.

We’ve already secured over $30 million in the last five years alone, so we know how to get the compensation you’re entitled to.

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case in more detail. By reaching out to our team, you’ll get the support you need from lawyers who serve.

Or, learn more about what railroad workers need to know about FELA and how it compares to standard workers’ comp in our guide.