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Understanding FELA Compensation: What Injured Railroad Workers Need to Know

FELA Compensation: Maximizing Your Recovery as an Injured Railroad Worker

When a railroad worker is injured on the job, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) provides a pathway to compensation that is typically broader than what is available under standard workers’ compensation. Understanding the spectrum of compensation available ensures that you can fully pursue the recovery you are due. Cronauer Law is adept at guiding clients through the intricacies of FELA to help them obtain the comprehensive compensation they are entitled to.

The Scope of Compensation Under FELA

Under FELA, injured railroad workers may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:

Medical Expenses

FELA covers all medical treatments related to your injury, both past and future. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitative therapy, and any required ongoing care.

Lost Wages

If your injury has caused you to miss work, FELA entitles you to recover the wages lost during that period. This also encompasses any lost benefits or opportunities you would have received had you been working.

Future Earning Capacity

In cases where an injury results in a disability that affects your ability to work, FELA allows for compensation that reflects your diminished future earning capacity.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and suffering that results from the injury are compensable under FELA. This means you can claim monetary compensation for the actual physical discomfort and the limitations imposed on your daily life.

Emotional Distress

FELA also recognizes the psychological impact of injuries, allowing compensation for emotional distress and mental anguish, including conditions like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Key Differences Between FELA and Workers’ Compensation

It’s critical to understand that FELA works differently from standard workers’ compensation:

  • Proving Negligence: One of the fundamental differences is that FELA requires the injured worker to demonstrate that the railroad was negligent in providing a safe work environment.
  • Full Wage Loss and Future Earnings: FELA allows recovery for the full amount of wage loss and includes compensation for potential future earnings if the worker is disabled.
  • Non-economic Damages: Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA provides for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Navigating Your FELA Claim with Cronauer Law

Navigating a FELA claim can be daunting due to its complexities compared to traditional workers’ compensation. Yet, the potential for obtaining more significant compensation is considerable with FELA. Here at Cronauer Law, we understand these nuances and are dedicated to securing the full range of compensation that our injured railroad worker clients deserve.

Start Your Journey To Recovery

Reach out to Cronauer Law for a consultation, and let us lead the charge in recovering the compensation you need to heal and move forward.