The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), passed in Congress in 1908, provides benefits for injured railroad employees and their families. It is the exclusive remedy for railroad employees seeking compensation from railroad employers for on-the-job injuries. Most railroad employees are protected under FELA, even those who do not work on or around trains. However, FELA benefits are notoriously difficult to obtain.
Many railroad workers need the assistance of an attorney to get the benefits they deserve after a work injury. Burge & Burge, PC, has represented hundreds of injured railroad employees throughout the United States. We are one of the oldest FELA law firms in the nation. You can trust our experience and knowledge. For a free consultation with our Federal Employers’ Liability Act lawyers in Birmingham, please call or contact us online.
Obtaining FELA Compensation
If you are injured on the job, FELA benefits may provide compensation for the following:
- Past and future wage loss
- Past and future medical treatment
- Past and future pain, suffering and mental distress
- Disfigurement
- Death benefits to the family
While you have three years from the date of injury to file a claim, the sooner you begin, the better your chances of recovering benefits. Evidence and the memories of witnesses are harder to gather years after the injury. In addition, the FELA claims process can take a few months or a few years, depending on the severity of the injury and details of the case.
Some FELA claims settle out of court through negotiations or mediation; however, it is increasingly necessary to purse the claim in court. Under FELA, your trial can be held in either state or federal court. Our experience enables us to determine which court is better for your case.