Federal laws, such as the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), provide specific protections for injured railroad workers, allowing them to seek compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits.

In 1908 extreme unsafe working conditions existed on the U.S. railroads, which were routinely responsible for the serious injuries and deaths of its workers. At the urging of rail unions, U.S. Congress passed the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA).

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At that time, there were no effective laws which protected injured rail workers. Over the years, the law was expanded to include safety statues, such as the Federal Safety Appliance Act, and the Federal Locomotive Inspection Act. Additionally, under the Rail Safety Act of 1970, the Federal Railroad Administration passed safety regulations covering all aspects of railroading. It is important to note that under FELA, an injured worker must prove negligence (fault) and medical causation to recover damages. Depending on the facts, the railroad can argue that the rail worker contributed to his or her injuries. If, however, a safety regulation, such as a defective seat, contributes in any way to the worker’s injury, the worker cannot be held at fault.

Protecting Your Rights Under FELA: Legal Expertise for Railroad Workers

The laws and statues protecting railroad workers have been litigated, interpreted and applied for over 100 years. Numerous State and Federal courts have issued many decisions dealing with those cases. In many instances, the average attorney is not familiar with those laws or the judicial decisions interpreting them. You should always hire a lawyer who is familiar with FELA. It can cost you if you don’t. If you want to protect your rights under FELA, hire an experienced FELA law firm such as Collins & Collins Attorneys. We can unequivocally state that we:

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1. Understand FELA and railroad injury law

2. Know the railroad corporate culture and attitude towards their workers

3. Are thoroughly familiar with railroad claims and procedures as they relate to injured workers.

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Collins & Collins has extensive trial and appellate experience. We are also experienced in Railroad Retirement Disability, as well as railroad medical requirements, including return to work physicals and/or medical disqualifications.

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It is safe to say that over the last forty plus years, Collins & Collins Attorneys has dealt with almost every issue involved in railroad injury litigation and has represented hundreds of injured railroad workers from every craft through the country, on most of the major railroads. The mission at Collins & Collins, is to obtain the best possible settlement or verdict for any work-related injury to protect and guide you through the whole process involved with an “on duty” injury or occupational work-related injury.

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No rail worker goes to work to get injured. In most cases, the injury is due to unsafe equipment or other negligent acts by the railroad. Do not be afraid to fill out an accident report and list the cause of your injury and what the railroad did wrong. If you are not feeling well enough to fill out the report, tell your supervisor that you will fill it out as soon as you get medical attention. Do not be influenced and/or intimidated by a road foreman, trainmaster or other company officials who want to eliminate the company responsibility by having you state, “no one was at fault” or convince you that the injury is “non- reportable”. Be careful when giving statements. If in doubt, feel free to call us at 716-885-9700 to discuss any issues connected with filling out the Accident Report and/or statements to company officials. Remember, the claim agent is working to protect the railroad’s interest. He or she is not a company official and is also not part of the Operating Department. You DO NOT have to talk to the claim agent or anyone in the Claims Department. You may, however, have to file an Injury Report depending on the circumstances and rules of the Operating Department.