If you suffered a serious arm, leg, hand, or foot injury while working on the railroad, your life likely changed in an instant. These injuries can affect everything—your ability to work, your daily routine, and even your sense of independence.
A Shreveport FELA railroad extremities injury lawyer from Poolson | Oden will take action for you. Our Shreveport FELA railroad accident lawyer knows how hard these cases are. After an accident, many workers face pressure from the railroad, questions from insurance companies, and fear about the future.
That’s where we come in. With 50-plus years of combined experience and a deep understanding of railroad law, we’ve recovered more than $30 million in the last five years alone for injured workers and their families. We will handle your case while you focus on your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.
Our FELA Railroad Extremities Injury Attorney in Shreveport Will Support You
When you hire Poolson | Oden, we put a full team behind your case. While you receive medical treatment and focus on feeling better, we will:
- Investigate the accident: We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and examine the railroad’s safety practices.
- Build your claim: We will work with medical experts and accident specialists to explain how your injury happened and how it affects your life.
- Handle all paperwork and deadlines: We will file your FELA claim properly and keep it on track from start to finish.
- Deal with the railroad company and insurers: We will push back when they try to deny or delay your claim.
- Fight in court if needed: We will prepare your case for trial to help you seek the full amount you deserve.
- Explain your rights: We will show how federal and Louisiana laws apply to your situation and what they mean for your case.
Our Shreveport railroad injury lawyers will guide you, answer your questions, and stand with you through every step of your FELA claim.
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What Are FELA Railroad Extremity Injuries?
Extremity injuries affect your arms, legs, hands, or feet. These can include broken bones, muscle tears, or even the loss of a limb or the use of it. In railroad jobs, extremity injuries often happen during:
- Connecting and disconnecting train cars
- Slip-and-fall accidents in the yard
- Crush incidents between rail cars
- Falls from ladders or engines
- Equipment malfunctions or poor maintenance
These injuries are not just painful. They can end a railroad career or prevent someone from returning to full-duty work.
How the FELA Protects Injured Railroad Workers
Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which is found at 45 U.S. Code Chapter 42, railroad workers have the right to sue their employer if negligence played a role in the accident. Unlike regular workers’ compensation, FELA allows injured workers to recover all their damages when the railroad fails to provide a safe work environment.
Why FELA Cases Require More Than a Typical Injury Lawyer
FELA cases are not like regular workplace injuries. Workers’ compensation does not apply. You must prove that the railroad’s negligence caused your injury. That’s not always easy, especially when railroad companies try to avoid responsibility.
At Poolson | Oden, we know these tactics. Our Shreveport lawyer for FELA extremity injuries is experienced in FELA law and understands how to build a case that holds the railroad accountable.
Most personal injury firms lack the experience needed to handle these claims. These are not typical injury claims, and our team knows how to fight back using the laws that protect railroad workers. We can review your situation and legal options with you today. Call us for a free consultation.
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Common Limb Injuries We See Most Often in Railroad Cases
Railroad work is dangerous, especially around heavy equipment and fast-moving trains. Common arm, leg, and foot injuries include:
- Crushed hands or feet
- Broken arms, legs, wrists, or ankles
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Amputations or loss of use of a limb
- Deep cuts, burns, or muscle tears
These injuries can require surgery, rehab, and sometimes a lifetime of care. You shouldn’t have to fight the railroad on your own. Our Shreveport FELA railroad limb injury attorney will guide you.
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Damages You Can Recover in a FELA Extremity Injury Case
Under FELA, you can recover many types of damages, including:
- Medical bills: Past and future treatment, therapy, and surgery
- Lost income: Wages you’ve missed and those you’re likely to miss in the future
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress from the injury
- Loss of earning capacity: If you can’t return to your former job
What Factors Determine How Much a FELA Claim Is Worth?
Every railroad injury case is different, so there’s no fixed amount for how much a claim is worth. Instead, several factors will affect the value of your case, and we will review them all.
At Poolson | Oden, we look closely at every detail to help you pursue full damages. Some of the key factors that can affect the value of your claim include the available damages listed above and other elements, such as:
- The severity of your injury: More serious injuries, such as broken bones, amputations, or permanent loss of function, can lead to higher claim values.
- How the injury affects your life: If you can’t do the same things you used to—whether it’s working, hobbies, or caring for your family—that can raise the value of your case.
- Whether the railroad was clearly at fault: The more evidence there is of unsafe practices or negligence, the stronger your claim becomes.
Our injury team will advocate for your recovery and fight for what your case is truly worth, not what the railroad wants to offer.
Damages for Fatal Railroad Yard Injuries in Shreveport
Some injuries are so severe that the worker doesn’t survive. When that happens, Poolson | Oden helps surviving families file a FELA wrongful death claim. We know you’re grieving, and we are deeply sorry for your loss.
We handle these cases with compassion and care while pursuing full justice for your loved one and your family.
- Wrongful death damages may include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills before your loved one’s death
- Lost lifetime income
- Loss of parental guidance or spousal support
- Pain and suffering for the family
At Poolson | Odon, we know how devastating these losses are. We treat every case with care and respect and will fight hard for what your family deserves. Our FELA Railroad wrongful death lawyer in Shreveport will explain your legal options and help you move forward.
Common Liability Issues in FELA Extremity Injury Claims
To win a FELA claim, we must show that the railroad or a related party acted carelessly in your situation. Common liability issues include:
- Unsafe working conditions: Broken equipment, slippery surfaces, poor lighting
- Lack of safety training or procedures: Failure to follow safety rules or provide proper instruction
- Negligent supervision: Foremen or managers ignoring known hazards
- Defective tools or machinery: Poorly maintained or faulty equipment
Other Possible Liable Parties You Could Hold Accountable
While the railroad is usually the main party, others may also share fault, such as:
- Contractors working on railroad property
- Equipment manufacturers
- Third-party vendors, such as companies that service railcars or supply faulty tools
Our legal team will determine if more than one party should be held responsible for your losses. You may have multiple claims, and we will handle each one if you do. We can advise you further on who you can hold liable when we review your situation.
What to Do After a Railroad Yard Accident in Shreveport, LA
If you were hurt in a railroad yard, what you do next can make a big difference in the handling and outcome of your case. Below are some tips to handle your post-accident recovery:
- Get medical care immediately: Your health comes first, and getting care right away makes it easier to draw a clear connection between the accident and your medical records. You do not have to see the railroad company doctor; you can choose your own.
- Report the injury promptly: Notify your supervisor, but be careful with written or recorded statements.
- Document everything: If you can, take photographs of the area, equipment, and your injuries.
- Contact Poolson | Oden: Before speaking to a railroad claims agent or insurance company, talk to our FELA railroad limb injuries lawyer in Shreveport.
We advise that you consider hiring a railroad lawyer soon after the accident. We will step in right away to protect your rights and prevent mistakes that could hurt your case.
Call Us: Our Shreveport FELA Railroad Extremities Injury Lawyer Will Help You
You have worked hard your entire life. Don’t Get Railroaded® and let a railroad injury take away everything you’ve earned. At Poolson | Oden, we’ve helped hundreds of injured railroad workers take back control of their lives while recovering the damages they deserve.
Call today to find out how our Shreveport FELA railroad extremities injury lawyer can help you. Let us stand up for you while you focus on getting better.