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What to Do Immediately After a Railroad Injury: A Guide for FELA Claims


The rescue of a man with head and body injuries lying motionless on a stretcher by a team of volunteer workersWhat steps should be taken right away when a railroad injury occurs? Quick action can significantly support a strong case under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Many railroad workers and their families look for a New Haven, CT railroad injury lawyer for legal support. With over four decades of experience, Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law is well-versed in railroad injury law and knows the importance of promptly documenting events, preserving evidence, and being aware of the FELA claims process. Timely steps can lead to fair railroad settlements or secure favorable railroad injury settlement amounts.

Seek Medical Care and Document Everything

Priority one is comprehensive healthcare for any injury. Even if symptoms seem mild, consult a physician and keep detailed records of every appointment, test, and diagnosis. Medical documentation can help demonstrate the severity of injuries, which matters in potential railroad injury settlements. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, timely reporting of accidents also ensures accurate data collection. Along with medical documents, keep any photos or witness statements that could illustrate the conditions leading to harm.

Notify Supervisors and Union Representatives

Federal regulations mandate that workplace injuries be reported swiftly. After seeking treatment, inform your supervisor as soon as possible. If you belong to a railroad union, let representatives know about the incident. In many FELA case settlements, thorough reports and union support have been decisive in establishing liability. The union can offer advice on steps that comply with railroad industry rules, which may strengthen your FELA claims. 

Transparent reporting keeps records clear and can ultimately influence railroad injury settlement amounts, whether for minor issues or more serious conditions. Refrain from giving any recorded statements to the railroad or their insurance company without first consulting with a qualified railroad injury attorney.  These statements can be used against you later.

Understand Your Rights Under FELA

FELA provides protections for railroad workers who experience harm on the job. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, railroad employees must show that an employer’s negligence contributed to the injury. This is where a skilled FELA attorney can interpret statutes, gather facts, and aim for full recovery. According to 45 U.S.C. § 51, FELA covers medical costs, lost wages, and even emotional distress if negligence is proven. Over the years, the best fela attorneys have used these protections to secure beneficial railroad settlements.

Collect Evidence and Seek Legal Guidance

Besides official reports, personal notes on conditions and any employer policies that might have played a role are valuable. Photographs of the accident site and statements from colleagues are equally important. Detailed evidence can lead to higher railroad injury settlement amounts in cases of severe trauma. In one example from Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law’s own case results, a railroad worker secured a notable monetary award due to thorough documentation of faulty equipment. 

 Calculate Damages Thoroughly

Workers in the rail industry depend on physical strength to meet the demands of their job. A seemingly minor injury can evolve into a major, career-altering setback. Comprehensive damage calculations may include:

  • Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, therapy, and possible surgeries.
  • Lost Wages: Missed time now, plus any future inability to work regular hours.
  • Pain and Suffering: Emotional toll or reduced quality of life from chronic pain.

When a railroad injury attorney highlights these factors, the negotiation process with the railroad employer or insurer becomes more compelling. This effort supports settlement proposals that align with the real needs of the injured worker, whether it’s immediate or for the long haul.

Pursue Settlement or Trial as Needed

Many FELA cases resolve through FELA case settlements once liability and damages become apparent. However, if the railroad disputes fault or offers insufficient compensation, it may be necessary to press forward to trial. In either scenario, a capable attorney will present the facts clearly, drawing on documents and witness testimony to prove that the employer’s breach of duty led to the worker’s harm.

Call the Best FELA Claims Attorney

Securing fair FELA settlements or other forms of compensation begins with the right legal advocate. Cahill & Perry, P.C. Attorneys at Law stand ready to support your legal journey. We have served clients across the Northeast with proven success, including Boston, MA and New York, NY. For more details, call 800-654-7245 and contact us today to arrange a consultation.

  • $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).

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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.

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