Blog

goDown

FRA? FELA? A Pocket Guide to Railroad Acronyms


young caucasian engineer woman or worker pointing and checking electric train for planning maintenance in stationUnderstanding the laws and regulations governing railroad safety and employee rights is crucial, especially if you’ve been injured on the job. This guide will help you decipher some of the most important railroad acronyms.

FRA (Federal Railroad Administration)

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) stands as the authoritative regulatory body charged with overseeing and enforcing safety measures and operational standards within the expansive railroad industry of the United States. Established under the umbrella of the Department of Transportation, the FRA shoulders the critical responsibility of safeguarding the well-being of both railroad workers and the general public who rely on rail transportation daily.

With a multifaceted mission, the FRA operates on multiple fronts, ranging from stringent enforcement of safety regulations to conducting pivotal research aimed at enhancing industry practices. One of its primary functions is to set and enforce safety standards that cover every aspect of railroad operations, from track maintenance and locomotive inspection to crew training protocols.

Furthermore, the FRA plays a pivotal role in managing and improving railroad infrastructure, ensuring that tracks, bridges, signals, and other vital components meet stringent safety standards. Through ongoing research initiatives and technological advancements, the FRA continuously seeks innovative solutions to enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the nation’s railroad network.

In essence, the FRA serves as a cornerstone of the railroad industry, upholding safety standards, fostering innovation, and preserving the integrity of rail transportation in the United States.

FELA (Federal Employers’ Liability Act)

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) stands as a cornerstone of legal protection for railroad workers, offering recourse and safeguards in the event of on-the-job injuries. Enacted in 1908, FELA represents a monumental piece of legislation aimed at rectifying the injustices faced by railroad employees who often worked in perilous conditions without adequate safeguards.

Unlike conventional workers’ compensation laws, which provide predetermined benefits to injured workers regardless of fault, FELA operates under a negligence-based system. This means that injured railroad workers have the right to pursue legal action against their employers if negligence or unsafe working conditions contributed to their injuries.

FELA empowers injured railroad workers to seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished earning capacity. By holding railroad companies accountable for their actions and negligence, FELA serves as a powerful deterrent against unsafe working conditions and practices.

Moreover, FELA grants injured workers the right to a trial by jury, affording them the opportunity to present their case before a court of law. This ensures that their grievances are heard and adjudicated fairly, without the constraints imposed by traditional workers’ compensation systems.

In essence, FELA embodies a crucial legal safeguard for railroad workers, providing them with the means to seek justice and fair compensation in the wake of workplace injuries.

Key Differences Between FRA and FELA

While both FRA and FELA play critical roles in ensuring the safety and well-being of railroad workers, passengers, and the public, they operate within distinct spheres with different focuses, authorities, and impacts.

1. Focus and Purpose
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) primarily concentrates on establishing and enforcing preventative safety regulations within the railroad industry. Its overarching goal is to mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries by ensuring that strict safety standards are adhered to across all aspects of railroad operations.

Conversely, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) operates with the specific aim of providing a legal avenue for injured railroad workers to pursue fair compensation from their employers. While FRA focuses on proactive safety measures, FELA addresses the aftermath of accidents by empowering workers to seek recourse for injuries sustained on the job.

2. Regulatory Authority

FRA, as a regulatory agency under the Department of Transportation, holds the authority to establish and enforce safety regulations, conduct inspections, and oversee compliance within the railroad industry. Its jurisdiction spans a wide range of areas, including track maintenance, equipment safety, and crew training.

In contrast, FELA operates within the realm of civil law, providing a framework for injured railroad workers to file negligence claims against their employers. Unlike FRA, which focuses on regulatory oversight, FELA’s authority lies in the legal realm, offering recourse through litigation rather than direct enforcement of safety standards.

3. Preventative vs. Remedial Measures

FRA’s emphasis on preventative safety measures involves proactive initiatives aimed at reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries before they occur. Through regulatory oversight, enforcement actions, and research endeavors, FRA strives to foster a culture of safety and compliance within the railroad industry.

FELA, on the other hand, addresses the aftermath of accidents by providing a means for injured workers to seek compensation for damages incurred. Rather than focusing on preventing accidents, FELA serves as a remedial measure, offering legal recourse to those who have already suffered harm due to negligence or unsafe working conditions.

4. Scope of Impact

The impact of FRA’s activities extends broadly across the entire railroad industry, influencing safety practices, operational standards, and infrastructure improvements nationwide. Its regulations and initiatives affect railroad companies, employees, passengers, and the general public alike.

In contrast, FELA’s impact is more targeted, directly affecting injured railroad workers and their employers involved in legal disputes. While its provisions are significant for individual workers seeking compensation, FELA’s influence is limited to the realm of civil litigation within the context of railroad-related injuries.

Why You Should Understand Railroad Acronyms and Laws

Understanding the legal landscape is especially critical if you suffer a railroad injury. FELA cases can be complex and require in-depth knowledge of the law and railroad industry practices. A seasoned railroad injury attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Railroad injuries often cause severe physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Potential compensation under FELA may include:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Disability

How Cahill & Perry, P.C. Can Help

At Cahill & Perry, P.C, we have a longstanding track record of successfully representing injured railroad workers. Our New Haven, CT railroad injury lawyers understand the nuances of FELA and railroad litigation. We’ll investigate your case thoroughly, work with relevant professionals, and prepare a strong claim to maximize your potential settlement.

If you’ve been injured in a railroad accident, don’t hesitate to contact the best FELA attorneys at Cahill & Perry, P.C. for a consultation. We’ll protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Let our experience and dedication work for you.

  • $10.8 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Conductor wrongful death case. (Avery v. Metro-North RR).
  • $8 Million settlement for an Amtrak Trackman who sustained a crushed leg. (Cevasco v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $7 Million settlement for a Metro-North Foreman whose legs were amputated. (Renert v. Metro-North RR).
  • $5.8 Million settlement for an Amtrak Conductor who sustained a head injury. (Fitzpatrick v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $5.5 Million settlement for a Metro-North Machinist wrongful death case. (Pieger v. Metro-North RR).
  • $4.3 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Conductor wrongful death case. (Ard v. Metro-North RR)
  • $2.57 Million Verdict for an Amtrak Conductor who sustained a back injury. (Pace v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $2.5 Million Settlement for a Metro-North employee who sustained a serious head injury.
  • Settled for a Confidential Sum for a Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company Trackman wrongful death case. (Macaulay v. Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company.)
  • $6.250 Million Verdict in 2023 which was later reduced to $2.1 Million for a Metro-North Structural Welder/Ironworker who sustained head and neck injuries and has returned to work. (Torres v. Metro-North RR).
  • $2 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Lineman who sustained an electrical burn (Curly v. Metro-North RR).
  • $2 Million Settlement in 2020 for a Providence & Worcester Railroad Company Conductor who sustained a serious head injury and returned to work for another RR as an Engineer. (Scarpa v. Providence & Worcester Railroad Company.)
  • $2 Million Settlement for a Metro-North Conductor who sustained a fractured leg.
    Settled for a Confidential Sum in 2019 an Amtrak Lineman involving an electrocution causing a permanent occupational disability. (Anderson v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.).
  • $1.85 Million Verdict for an Amtrak Ticket Agent who was assaulted. (Schneider v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.)
  • Compensatory and punitive damages Verdicts and subsequently settled for $1.8 Million in 2023 for a Metro-North
  • Conductor who suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Moran v. Metropolitan Transportation Authority).
  • $1.69 Million Settlement for an Amtrak Supervisor who was shot by an employee. (Cornelius v. National Railroad Passenger Corp.)
  • $1.65 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Lineman who sustained foot and ankle injuries. (Keating v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.65 Million Verdict for a Metro-North TA Employee who sustained an Open Tibia Fracture to his left leg. (Rivera v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.54 Million Verdict for an Amtrak General Foreman who sustained a herniated disc in his lower back. (Brady v. National Railroad Passenger Corporation).
  • $1.45 Million Verdict for a Construction Worker who sustained a left hip injury. (Quintiliani v. National Railroad Passenger Corporation).
  • $1.42 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Machinist who sustained a fractured rib and a herniated disc. (Hall v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.4 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Mechanical Gang Foreman who sustained burns from an explosion of steam on an engine. (Berry v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.4 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Carpenter Foreman who sustained a back injury. (Kendall v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.3 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Signal Trainee Maintainer who sustained a back injury from a slip and fall. (Moran v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.2 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Signal Maintainer who sustained a back injury and post-concussion syndrome. (Manes v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1.2 Million Verdict for a Metro-North Trackman who sustained crushed legs. (Murillo v. Metro-North RR).
  • $1 Million Settlement for a Metro-North Trackman who sustained burns from pot welding and subsequently returned to work. (Burke v. Metro-North RR).

find yourself a Railroad Law Attorney | Call 800-654-7245

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY TO GET STARTED

If you are a railroad worker who has been injured on the job, you need a lawyer who understands the complicated FELA claims process. Find out how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Protecting Injured Railroad Workers,
Passengers And Families
40 years of experience

New Haven Office

43 Trumbull Street
New Haven, CT 06510
Toll Free: 800-654-7245

Phone: 203-777-1000
Fax: 203-865-5904
directions

Boston Office

470 Atlantic Avenue, 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02210

Phone: (617) 217-2920
directions

arla

New York Office

Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10174

Toll Free: 800-654-7245
Phone: 212-453-7300
directions

connect with us