If you suffered an arm, hand, leg, or foot injury while working on the railroad, Poolson | Oden is here to help. Our Lafayette FELA railroad extremities injury lawyers will handle your claim so that you don’t have to face the railroad or its legal team alone.
These injuries can be painful, disabling, and financially draining. And in many cases, they happen because the railroad failed to protect its workers. With more than 80 years of combined experience and over $30 million recovered for clients in the last five years alone, we bring knowledge and compassion to every case.
As Lafayette FELA railroad accident lawyers, we focus on railroad law and representing railroad workers as Designated Legal Counsel for SMART TD and Transportation Communications Union/IAM (“TCU”), which means we know how to fight and win under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Call us today to explore your legal options during a free confidential consultation.
What Is a FELA Extremity Injury?
Losing the full use of a hand, arm, leg, or foot can change everything. These injuries, called extremity injuries, include:
- Crushed or amputated fingers or limbs
- Broken bones in the legs, arms, or feet
- Severe burns or lacerations
- Nerve damage or permanent loss of movement
Our Lafayette railroad injury lawyer understands that extremity injuries affect more than just your body. You might struggle to walk, work, or even complete daily tasks. These cases are serious, and they deserve attention from a lawyer who deeply understands FELA law.
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How Our Lafayette Lawyer for FELA Railroad Extremity Injuries Will Help You
At Poolson | Oden, we take on the railroad carrier so you don’t have to. Our Lafayette FELA railroad extremities injury lawyers will:
- Investigate how the injury happened.
- Collect medical records and expert reports.
- File your FELA claim.
- Handle all communications with the railroad.
- Assist with your paperwork including Work Status Forms, and submitting to the railroad.
- Fight for full damages in settlement or trial.
- Explain how federal laws and Louisiana laws affect your case every step of the way.
We’re not just your lawyers; we’re your advocates and counselors.
Why Legal Help Matters in FELA Injury Cases
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act, outlined in 45 U.S. Code Chapter 42, is a special law that protects railroad workers who get hurt on the job. Unlike regular workers’ compensation, FELA allows injured workers to sue the railroad for full damages if the company was negligent, even partly.
This includes claims for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Because FELA cases can lead to larger payouts, railroad companies often fight these claims hard. They may deny responsibility or blame the worker. You don’t have to accept that.
Ordinary injury lawyers might not know how to prove a FELA case. We do. Our team has helped hundreds of clients, and we want to help you. We work on a contingency basis, so you won’t owe us any fees unless you win your case, and you will never come out of pocket to pay us. We only collect our fees from any money we recover for you. If we don’t win your case, then we don’t get paid. Call us for a free consultation.
Common Damages Available in FELA Injury Claims in Lafayette
Under the FELA, you can recover full damages, not just partial coverage like workers’ comp provides. This includes:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Mental anguish
Support for Families After an Accident Causes a Fatal Injury
Losing a loved one to a railroad accident is one of the hardest things a family can face. At Poolson | Oden, we stand with families during this painful time and work to hold the railroad accountable when negligence leads to a tragic loss.
If the railroad’s actions—or failure to act—caused the death of a worker, the surviving spouse, children, or other close family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim under the FELA. These claims are not about blame; they’re about justice, dignity, and making sure the family is not left behind.
As a FELA Railroad wrongful death lawyer in Lafayette, we help families pursue the full damages allowed under the law, which may include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the financial support the worker would have provided
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- The emotional pain and grief caused by the loss
At Poolson | Oden, we handle these cases with care and compassion. We know no amount of money can bring someone back, but we fight to hold the railroad accountable and bring closure where we can.
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When to File a FELA Claim for a Railroad Arm, Leg, or Hand Injury
Under the FELA, you generally have three years from the date of your injury to file a claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind:
- If the injury developed over time (like from repetitive motion or toxic exposure), the clock may start when you first knew or should have known that your condition was related to your railroad work.
- If you wait too long, the railroad can use the deadline to block your claim, even if your injury is serious.
That’s why it’s best to speak with a FELA lawyer as soon as possible after an injury. At Poolson | Oden, we’ll help you understand your timeline and protect your right to file.
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Steps to Take After a Railroad Injury in Lafayette, LA
Acting quickly after suffering an injury on the railroad yard helps protect your health and your legal case. If you’re hurt on the job:
- Report the injury: Notify your supervisor or foreman right away. If possible, submit the notice in writing and keep a copy for your records. This creates a clear paper trail that can support your FELA claim later.
- Get medical attention: Your health comes first.
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene and your injuries, if possible.
- Avoid giving statements: The railroad may try to record you. Talk to us first.
- Call Poolson | Oden: We will explain your rights and what to do next.
We know that after an injury, you are in pain and possibly scared. That’s why our entire team including our field representative(s), intake specialist(s), case manager(s), and trial attorney(s) all work together to support you while our trial team focuses on building your case. You can also take these steps after an on-duty railroad injury.
Our Lafayette FELA Railroad Extremities Injury Lawyer Will Fight for You
When you’re hurt, you need a lawyer who understands your case and stands up to powerful companies. That’s what we do at Poolson | Oden. We have built a team that includes trial lawyers, case managers, and field reps—all working together to serve railroaders and their families.
We don’t back down from the railroad’s lawyers. Our FELA railroad extremities injury lawyer in Lafayette, LA, prepares every case for trial so that we can demand the full amount that you deserve.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. Call Poolson | Oden today for a free confidential consultation. Don’t Get Railroaded®. Let us help you take control.