What Does FELA Cover?

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) is a crucial federal law enacted in 1908 in the United States. FELA serves as a vital legal framework that protects the rights and interests of railroad workers, providing them with compensation and legal recourse in cases of injury or illness resulting from their work. This act was a significant milestone in workers’ rights, […]

Railroad Workers High Risk of Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that usually affects the protective lining of the lungs or abdomen. Inhaling or swallowing airborne asbestos is the number one cause of mesothelioma over a long period of time. People who have been diagnosed with this form of cancer should contact an experienced Virginia railroad injury attorney to explore what legal options they may have. […]

Do I Have to See the Company Doctor for My Railroad Injury?

When you are injured during your employment as a railroad worker, the first thing you need to do is see a doctor. Since many workers are unfamiliar with the distinctions between workers’ comp and the Federal Employers’ Liability Act they assume that, like workers’ compensation, you can only visit a doctor who has been approved by the rail company. This […]

What Hazardous Chemical Solvents Are Railroad Workers Commonly Exposed To?

Railroads are hazardous working environments. Every day, employees are in danger of being seriously injured by derailments, being struck by trains, using poorly maintained equipment, and slip-and-falls. Those who are employed by major railway companies like Union Pacific, CSX, or Norfolk Southern are also routinely exposed to toxic chemicals and substances that can cause permanent damage to their health and […]

What Types of Injuries Does FELA Cover?

In 1908, the United States Congress enacted the Federal Employers Liability Act. The goal was to lessen the atrocious number of fatalities and injuries that were taking place within the railroad industry. FELA was intended to protect railway employees, force rail companies to implement safety measures to protect their workers, and compensate workers who were injured on the job. Railroad […]

Factors That Could Impact Your Railroad Cancer Settlement

Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, any railway worker who is diagnosed with an illness resulting from workplace exposure is eligible to file a lawsuit against their employer. According to FELA, railway employees are entitled to recover compensation for an occupational illness, such as cancer, if they can prove that it, in any measure, was caused by the rail company’s […]

Facts vs. Myths About Filing a FELA Claim

Understanding the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) and the process of filing a claim is crucial for railroad workers seeking compensation for workplace injuries. However, misconceptions can cloud judgment and deter individuals from pursuing legitimate claims. In this article, our FELA lawyers dispel common myths and provide factual insights to help you navigate the FELA claims process effectively. MYTH: FELA […]

What Are the Most Common Dangers Faced by Railway Workers?

With the growing prevalence of online shopping and two-day shipping, it is not hard to overlook how important railroads are to keeping the United States running smoothly. Without railways and the workers who maintain and operate them, our country’s economy would bottom out, as gigantic industries such as manufacturing and agriculture would not get their shipments.  What are some of […]

Solvents, Leukemia, and Railway Shop Workers

Solvents are widely used on railways. Workers use solvents to break up the grease and grime that accumulate on railcars and locomotives. Most of the more commonly-used railway solvents are petroleum-based, meaning they contain benzene. Due to their repeated and prolonged exposure to petroleum solvents, a lot of car department workers, locomotive shop employees, and engineering and track department employees […]