From seeking medical treatment to figuring out how to secure compensation, suffering an injury while on duty at a railroad in Metairie can lead to a range of complications.
You shouldn’t have to handle any of this alone. Instead, let our Metairie FELA on-duty railroad accident lawyers manage your case for you. We’ll explain how the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) affects your case and seek the money you need for lost wages and your pain and suffering.
Poolson | Oden’s own Carisa German-Oden has been honored to be Designated Legal Counsel for SMART-TD Union. Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers are also proudly designated by Transportation Communications Union as Designated Legal Counsel.
Additionally, now that the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (“BLET”) has discontinued its DLC program and the BLET recommends that its members hire attorneys who belong to the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys, Danny and Carisa, who are both longstanding ARLA members, have and continue to represent members of the BLET.
Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers take great pride to protect your rights throughout the legal process and ensure you’re informed on all details of your case. Call us today for a free, confidential consultation and learn more about working with our FELA railroad injury lawyers in Metairie.
Our FELA On-Duty Railroad Accident Lawyers Will Handle All Aspects of Your Case
At Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers, we know the ins and outs of FELA and are prepared to manage every aspect of your case. From the initial consultation to the final verdict or settlement, we handle:
- Investigation: Gathering evidence to support your claim, including witness statements and safety reports.
- Documentation: Managing all necessary paperwork and filings to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
- Representation: Advocating for you in court or negotiation settings against employers and insurance companies.
- Recovery: Aiming to secure fair compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and your case is presented strongly.
You Owe Nothing Upfront to Hire Our On-Duty Railroad Accident Attorney
At Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers, we operate on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you owe our Metairie railroad accident lawyers nothing unless we win your case. This approach allows you access to legal representation without any financial burden upfront.
You can focus on your recovery without the stress of legal fees. We believe that every injured railroad worker deserves legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket fees. You can also contact us for a free, confidential initial consultation.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Your On-Duty Railroad Injuries
If you’ve been injured while working on the railroad, you could be eligible for a range of compensation under FELA for damages incurred both now and in the future.
At Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers, we can help you secure compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses: Covering all medical treatments needed due to the injury.
- Past and future lost wages: Reimbursement for lost earnings and potential future income loss.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress experienced.
- Past and future benefits: Includes railroad retirement benefits and other benefits affected by your injury.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages if your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily activities.
Let our legal team guide you to a fair and comprehensive settlement
How does FELA Apply to Your Railroad Injury Case?
**RAILROADERS DO NOT HAVE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION!
A railroad worker’s only path to protection following an on-duty injury for the carrier is a direct claim against the railroad carrier. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is a U.S. federal law established in 1908 designed to protect and compensate railroad workers who are injured on the job. Unlike typical workers’ compensation, FELA is a fault-based system, requiring the injured worker to prove that the railroad’s negligence played a role in the accident.
This legislation acknowledges the high-risk nature of railroad work and provides a pathway for employees to seek damages for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. FELA’s provisions are crucial for ensuring that railroad workers have the necessary legal recourse to address their injuries and secure appropriate compensation.
FELA Limits the Amount of Time You Have to File Your Case
It is crucial to act quickly after a railroad injury, as FELA imposes a strict three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. If you do not file within this period, you risk losing your right to claim. Our legal team can help ensure that all:
- Deadlines are met.
- Documentation is filed promptly.
- Steps are taken to preserve your right to compensation.
Types of Railroad Injuries FELA Allows You to Seek Compensation for
FELA covers a comprehensive range of injuries, allowing railroad workers to claim compensation for various types of harm incurred on the job. These injuries include:
- Spine injuries: Including neck, back, and lower back injuries.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Impacts that affect brain function.
- Amputations: Loss of limbs due to workplace accidents.
- Burn and explosion injuries: Severe burns or injuries from explosions.
- Cumulative trauma: Such as trauma, stress, and body vibration from repetitive tasks.
- Emotional injuries: Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions.
- Workplace exposure: Leading to diseases like cancer, mesothelioma, COPD, and the like from hazardous conditions.
- Wrongful death: Compensation for families after fatal accidents.
These categories ensure that affected workers may seek justice for a wide array of physical and emotional injuries.
FELA Allows You to Seek Compensation Against Your Employer
FELA uniquely allows railroad workers to sue their employers directly for negligence. This is significant because it:
- Requires you to hire competent lawyers who are well-trained in the FELA, and know how to navigate the complexities of pursuing a lawsuit against the sophisticated railroad carrier(s).
- Enables you to obtain potentially greater compensation than through traditional workers’ comp, presuming you hire qualified FELA lawyers.
- Holds employers accountable for unsafe working conditions.
- Encourages improved safety standards in the railroad industry.
At Poolson | Oden, our FELA lawyers understand the importance of holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you need to recover both physically and financially. We gather all the evidence necessary to prove you deserve compensation from your employer after their negligence caused your injury.
Contact Us Now to Discuss Your On-Duty Railroad Injury Case
Don’t wait to start your claim. Remember, you have a limited time to seek the recovery you need. We provide legal support on a contingency fee basis, so it won’t cost you anything to get started with our firm.
Contact Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers today to discuss your on-duty railroad injury. Our knowledgeable team is ready to provide a free consultation and help you understand your legal options. Let us help you take the first step towards recovery.