The Bradley Law Firm handles railroad injury claims for engineers, conductors, switchmen, yardmasters, operators and employees who are injured on the job. These claims are governed by the Federal Employer’s Liability Act, otherwise know as FELA. A FELA claim is basically the federal government’s form of workers compensation for railroad workers. This system protects workers when they are injured without the need for the worker to file a traditional civil lawsuit against the railroad. FELA is the only remedy injured railroad workers have since it preempts all other rights or remedies existing prior to its enactment.  

Around the turn of the 20th century, the railroad was rapidly expanding and many rail workers were injured and even killed in the pursuit of laying tracks across the United States. In 1908, the first FELA legislation was passed, allowing injured workers to sue their employers.

In a railroad injury claim, under FELA, the injured need only prove the employer has some liability. It does not matter how much at fault the employee or a co-employee bears to the injury as long as the employer is at least 1 percent liable. Railroad employer liability usually turns on the failure to provide a safe workplace, failure to provide adequate training or providing improper or inadequate tools or instruments to employees.

If an injured railroad worker is successful in proving the employer is liable, he or she is entitled to full damages, no matter how much he or she contributed to cause his or her own injuries. FELA claims allow the injured worker to receive:

·    Past, Current and Future lost wages
·    Past, Current and Future Medical Bills
·    Damages for Pain and Suffering
·    Damages for Disabilities resulting from the injury
·    Damages for the family of a worker who is killed

Unlike Missouri Workers Compensation laws, the Federal Employers Liability Act sets forth safety regulations and rules for employers to follow.

When you hire The Bradley Law Firm, we have the very best investigators gather physical evidence, witness statements and track down leads to ensure no stone is unturned in the investigation of your case. After the investigation is complete, we have the very best legal team tackle your case, file your claim, marshal the evidence and demand justice for you. The Bradley Law Firm’s Illinois and Missouri personal injury lawyers have helped thousands of injured people over the last 30 years. If you, a friend or a family member have been injured while working for the railroad, please contact us for a free consultation.