Cahill & Perry, P.C. outline important facts about New Jersey FELA laws and how injured railroad workers can pursue claims and receive awards under the FELA system.
What is the FELA?
FELA stands for the Federal Employers’ Liability Act which was enacted in 1908 by Congress to provide safety standards for those working in the railroad industry, and to provide benefits for railroad workers who suffer on the job injuries due to their employer’s negligence.
How does the FELA differ from workers’ compensation?
The main difference between FELA and workers compensation is that under FELA, a railroad worker must prove negligence on the part of the employer in order to receive compensation, whereas workers’ compensation benefits are based on a no fault system. Another important difference is that benefits in workers’ compensation claims are generally paid out according to a preset schedule, whereas FELA benefits are awarded according to a jury’s decision. The defendant or railroad employer’s main defense is usually comparative negligence, meaning that they will attempt to prove the railroad worker had some degree of fault in the injury and therefore his award must be diminished by the percentage of his degree of responsibility for the injury. Lastly, when pursing medical treatment in a FELA claim, the worker is free to choose their own doctors and place of treatment, while in workers’ compensation claims an injured employee is limited to the pre-approved treatment choices of his or her employer.
Who is eligible under the FELA?
Any injured railroad employee is eligible even if their job does not involve working around trains. As long as there was negligence on the part of the railroad employer, then the railroad employee can seek recovery for the physical and emotional harms suffered.
What types of damages are available through the FELA?
Injured railroad workers in New Jersey can recover past and future medical treatment, past and future lost wages that result from their injury or illness, and damages for past and future pain, suffering, and mental anguish. Also families may recover losses associated with the death of a loved one.
How do I recover FELA damages?
Because each case is different and the claims process can be complicated it is wise to consult an experienced New Jersey FELA attorney to help you with your railroad injury claim.
If you are a railroad employee in New Jersey, you are covered under the FELA law and may be entitled to compensation if you are injured on the job.
For more FELA information or for help with your railroad injury case, contact the Cahill & Perry law firm at 800-576-0515, or complete our web form.
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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