Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) FAQs
Common questions and answers for injured railroad workers.
What is FELA?
FELA refers to the Federal Employers Liability Act. Congress created FELA in 1908 when railroads were the primary engine for expansion in the United States. The railroad industry saw unprecedented growth as the westward moving US population built new communities and industries. President Theodore Roosevelt championed legislation to protect railroad workers who were experiencing high death tolls and tremendous numbers of grievous injuries while in the employ of the largely unregulated railroad industry. FELA created regulations for a safe workplace environment and the guaranteed right of workers and their families to be compensated in the event of workplace injury or death.
Who can make a FELA claim?
Usually, any employee of a common carrier railroad company who is injured on the job can make a FELA claim. In the unfortunate event of the work related death of a railroad worker, the worker’s family may also make a FELA claim. There are some cases where non-railroad employees who are under contract to the railroad company, or who work for companies under contract to the railroad company, are eligible to file a FELA claim.
How is FELA different from typical state run workers’ compensation claims?
In a worker’s compensation claim, the worker must only prove that he or she was injured ‘on the job’. No claim of liability by the employer is necessary. Compensation is then set and distributed by the appropriate state government agency. On the other hand, railroad employees involved in a FELA claim, must prove that the injury they sustained on the job was caused by the owner or operator, if different, of the railroad company. This means that through some action or inaction in the workplace the railroad company is, at least in part, liable.
What does my lawyer mean when he describes FELA claims as “featherweight”?
When a FELA claim is described as being “featherweight”, its means that the burden of proof for liability is small. If the railroad company can be proven to be liable, even in a very minor way, then they will be found liable for the injury in the claim.
I’m a railroad worker and while on the job I slipped on loose stones in the rail bed and fell. As a result, my back was injured and I’m in constant pain. Should I file a FELA claim?
You may have a very strong case. “Ballast” is the gravel and crushed rock that makes up the rail bed. “Ballast” injuries are not uncommon. You should talk to a qualified railroad injury attorney immediately.
Are awards from injury claims larger with workers’ compensation claims or with FELA claims?
Usually, awards from FELA claims are much larger than awards from state workers' compensation claims. Awards can include the loss of past and future wages, pain, suffering, emotional distress and healthcare.
Which body of the federal government regulates railroad operation and safety and administers FELA benefits?
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has the authority to author and enforce all regulations concerning railroad operation.
Is there a body of regulations that specifically regulate safety for the railroad industry?
Yes. Chief among a number of federal safety regulations is the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. This act assigns, by direction of the Secretary of Transportation, regulatory responsibility to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The FRA has responsibility for all areas of railroad safety, and the authority required to investigate and prosecute violations of any rail safety law. Pursuant to the Railroad Safety Act, the FRA has created a regulatory framework for track, freight cars, operating rules, operating practices, including control of alcohol and drug use, engineer qualifications, bridge worker safety, radio use, rear end markers, glazing of windows on locomotives, cabooses, and passenger cars.
Can any railroad employee, regardless of the type job they perform, file a FELA claim?
Usually, yes. As long as the injury occurred while the employee is on the job and he or she can prove liability on the part of the railroad company, it is probably a valid FELA claim.
I’m a railroad employee and I have a serious illness that I believe was caused by exposure to chemicals transported by the trains I work on, can I file a FELA claim?
Yes. 1.7 million tank cars filled with a variety of chemical products are transported by rail every year in the US. Many of these tank cars contain hazardous materials that can leak or spill. Many spilled or discarded hazardous materials pollute the rail yards and rail right of way. Workers can be exposed to these dangerous substances on a daily basis. You should contact a qualified railroad injury attorney immediately.
For a free consultation with an experienced attorney, contact a railroad injury attorney online or phone Arnold & Itkin LLP toll free at 1-866-222-2606.
