Jackson Railroad Employee Injury Lawyer
Railroad workers know that they perform their jobs in one of the most dangerous workplace environments in Mississippi, and statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) support this view. Every year, there are around 12,000 total railway-involved accidents that cause more than 800 fatalities and injuries to almost 8,400 employees. Fortunately, you may qualify for monetary benefits as an eligible railroad worker, but your remedies do not stem from state workers’ compensation laws.
Instead, your legal recourse may fall under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), which is essentially a federal system of workers’ compensation. The statute is distinct from state laws that apply to other employees, and our team at Keith B. French Law has in-depth knowledge regarding the relevant concepts. Please contact us to schedule a complimentary case assessment with a Jackson railroad employee injury lawyer, and read on for an overview of FELA.
FELA Application to Injured Railway Workers
This federal statute is a significant departure from state laws in which you do not have to prove that your employer was at fault in causing your injuries. FELA is similar to civil cases, so you must prove that your injuries were a result of the railroad company’s negligence in maintaining a safe work environment. Examples include failing to comply with safety regulations, supply personal protective equipment, establish protocols for accidents, and many others.
In addition, you should note the following about FELA:
- To qualify for benefits, you must be a railroad worker who was injured while performing job-related tasks within the scope of employment.
- There is a lower standard of proof regarding the causation element as compared to other personal injury cases. You only need to show that negligence somehow played a role in causing your injuries.
Overview of FELA Benefits for Qualifying Employees
The primary advantage to injured railway workers is that FELA provides expanded benefits as compared to Mississippi’s workers’ compensation system. State benefits include medical costs, wage replacement, permanent or temporary disability, vocational assistance, and others. By qualifying under FELA, you can seek damages for pain and suffering, which could be a significant amount for employees who sustain serious, catastrophic injuries.
Keith B. French Law is prepared to handle the legal process, which typically starts by filing an insurance claim. If the insurer refuses to pay fair compensation, we will file a FELA lawsuit in court. Still, you can support our efforts by doing your part:
- Seek proper medical treatment right away.
- Notify your employer about a railroad accident as soon as possible.
- Contact our Jackson railroad employee workers’ comp lawyer before discussing your claim with an insurance company.
A Jackson Railroad Employee Injury Lawyer Will Protect Your Rights
This summary of how FELA applies to injured railway workers is helpful, but there are many additional details you need to know in a real-life case. To learn how Keith B. French Law helps with these claims, please contact our Jackson offices at 601-983-2667 or via our website. We can schedule a free consultation to review your circumstances and explain how the process works.
