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How Long Do FELA Lawsuits Take to Process?
FELA lawsuits are a common occurrence for more than 100 years, have helped keep railroad workers safe in some of the most hazardous places of work. FELA settlements or trial awards can include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
In contrast to workers' compensation cases, FELA allows for recovery of non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This is the reason FELA cases often result in significant jury verdicts.
How long will a FELA case take?
Many factors can impact the time it takes to resolve the FELA case. For example, whether the case is filed in a federal or state court, the amount of time that is required between an injury and the time the lawsuit is filed, and other specific aspects of the case may influence the time required to reach an agreement. Your lawyer can estimate the amount of time it will take for your FELA claim to be processed.
The speed at which you can gather medical evidence to back your injury claim could affect the length of the FELA lawsuit. This could be a crucial factor in your case, since it will allow you to get the most amount of compensation. In some cases in the event that you fail to obtain medical evidence promptly the claim could be denied due to the statute of limitations.
The last factor that can determine the duration of a FELA case is the speed at which you and your employer are able to reach an equitable settlement. In some instances, your lawyer may be in a position to settle your FELA claim without going to trial. This can be achieved through alternative dispute resolution options such as mediation or negotiated settlements, arbitration or mandatory settlement conferences.
Some employees may be worried that filing a FELA complaint could affect their relationship with their employer. It is important to know that fela railroad accident lawyer does not permit employers to retaliate towards employees who make an FELA claim. FELA claims also bypass limitations on benefits imposed by the laws governing workers' compensation which allows railroad workers injured to receive compensation for their suffering and pain.
To file a FELA lawsuit, your attorney must prepare a complaint. This document details your rights against your employer. After your lawyer files the complaint, the respondent is given the opportunity to respond and provide any defenses. This could be a lengthy process since your lawyers will need to conduct thorough investigation into workplace safety practices, and gather evidence to support your assertions.
What happens if I do not receive a settlement proposal?
FELA cases allow injured railroad workers to seek compensation for future and past medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. Since railroad workers generally earn much more than blue-collar workers in other industries so their FELA payouts tend to be more substantial. Therefore, it is not unusual for an FELA case to settle for large amounts of money.
An experienced attorney should be the first step towards filing a FELA suit. An attorney will go over the details of your accident to determine if you can claim damages. If you have a valid claim your lawyer will assist you in completing the necessary paperwork and conducting thorough investigation into the incident and employer's reaction to your claim.
After the investigation is concluded your lawyer will make a claim for damages to your employer. Your employer will then either accept a settlement or go through the process of an appeal. Trials can be costly and time-consuming, therefore the majority of FELA cases are settled before reaching the court.
During this period you and your lawyer will take medical records and other evidence that show the severity of your injuries. Your lawyer will also search for witnesses that can provide testimony on your behalf. In addition, you can opt to pursue legal funding, which can provide you with funds based on your projected settlement.
In contrast to personal loans from banks and credit unions, pre-settlement legal funding does not require a lengthy credit check or review of your financial history. A pre-settlement financing company will examine your application and give you a quote highlighting the terms and conditions of the loan. If you accept the quote, it could result in you receiving thousands of dollars prior to the closing of the case.
What happens if I don't succeed in my case?
Depending on how serious your injury is, you may need to undergo medical treatment for a time before you are able to settle. Your lawyer will gather evidence while you wait for a settlement, including medical records that demonstrate the extent of your injuries, as well as testimony from witnesses to support your claim. If needed, your lawyer may help you obtain pre-settlement legal funding to cover ongoing treatment and living expenses while you await the final settlement.
Many FELA cases are settled before trial because both sides wish to avoid costly and risky court actions. However, appeals can cause delays at different stages of the case, and sometimes even after a verdict is rendered. You can always reach out to an attorney for railroad injuries for more details in these instances.
What happens if my case is lost?
Railroad employees who are injured receive a substantial amount from their employer, as they are entitled to claim medical expenses, lost wage, and discomfort and pain. In addition, railroad employees earn much more than blue-collar workers and have a higher cost of living and therefore can be compensated for more substantial economic damages.
It is important to recognize that it can take some time to reach a settlement. This is because FELA lawsuits usually involve multiple different steps, including litigation and discovery. If one of the parties files a appeal, it could result in long delays.
During this time the attorney will be able to gather evidence such as medical records and documents which highlight the severity of the injury. They may also search for witnesses who can testify on their behalf. If the injured person requires financial assistance in this process, they may also seek financing options, including a legal funding loan before settlement.
A pre-settlement funding company will review the situation, as well as other factors, to determine what they can provide. This is unlike a personal loan which requires the use of a credit report and an analysis of financial history. Speak to an FELA claim attorney today for more information about how to get started.