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Workers Compensation Vs Federal Employers? Liability

Railroad employees face unique legal issues when they are injured on the job. Unlike most workers' compensation laws, railroad employees are able to sue their employers under federal law, specifically the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).

To win a FELA claim railroad workers must demonstrate two things. First, they must prove that the injury occurred as a result of their employer's negligence.

FELA against. Workers' Compensation

While workers compensation and FELA both attempt to compensate workers for illnesses or injuries that occur during work however, the two laws differ in a number of ways. Particularly, FELA is only applicable to railroad workers, while workers' compensation is applicable to a variety of public and private jobs. FELA and workers' compensation are also different in terms of who determines the fault and how damages are determined, and where and how cases are tried.

The risk of injury is a high risk for workers on railroads This is the reason FELA was passed in 1908. Congress passed this law to protect workers and their families as well as themselves in the event of an accident on the job. In order to be compensated under FELA the worker must prove that their employer has violated any federal law or regulation that pertains to workplace safety. Examples include a violation of the Safety Appliance Act, Boiler Inspection Act and Power Brake Law.

In addition to providing financial compensation for past and future loss of wages and medical treatment, FELA provides for damages that aren't covered by workers compensation, such as pain and suffering. In contrast to a workers' compensation claim, which is typically capped at an amount based upon the severity of injuries however, a FELA claim can seek compensation for non-economic losses, such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Another distinction between FELA and workers' compensation is that in order to be eligible for compensation under FELA the worker must prove that the employer was at a minimum partially accountable for their injury. If a worker's injury is determined to be the fault of the company their damages can be reduced. For instance when an employee was directed to do something that was in violation of company policy and were injured as a result, the company could be held 50 percent responsible for their injuries.

Workers' compensation has an earlier timeframe for filing a claim than a FELA case. In the case of a FELA case the statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of your injury, when in the case of workers' compensation the statute of limitation is one year. This is why it is crucial to consult a seasoned FELA lawyer as soon as you can after your injury.

FELA vs. State Law

If a railroad worker gets injured on the job, he or she may submit a claim for compensation under either workers compensation or the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). In contrast to the workers' compensation laws which offer benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury, FELA is a liability statute. Therefore an effective FELA claim requires evidence that the railroad was negligent and that such negligence contributed to the injury of the worker.

The FELA was passed in 1908 and is intended to provide compensation to railroad workers injured for injuries suffered because of the nature of their work. Prior to the passage of this law, railroad worker death and injury rates were high. This resulted in the need for a comprehensive coverage that went beyond workers' compensation laws.

In general it is the case that the majority of FELA claim must be filed in federal court since the FELA is a federal law. However, FELA claims are sometimes filed in state courts. For example the case that was recently heard in Tennessee, Mills v. CSX was a railroad employee who claimed that his employer was liable under the FELA.

Like workers compensation as well, like workers' compensation, a FELA claim provides the injured worker with lost wages as well as medical expenses, damages for pain and suffering. The basis for these damages is the fact that the railroad was accountable for the death or injury due to its negligence or violation a safety statute such as the Locomotive Inspection Act and the Federal Safety Appliance Act. In addition the FELA claimant must show that the injury or death was caused in whole or in part because of such negligence.

FELA cases have improved tort law by setting precedent for issues such as emotional distress in the railroad, damages distribution and working conditions requirements. In particular, FELA claims have brought national attention to the employer's non-delegable obligation to ensure that its employees are safe in their workplace. This includes off-site places like private hotels where railroad employees can stay while on business. A good railroad attorney can assist a railroad worker get the full benefits that he or she is entitled under FELA.

FELA vs. State Workers' Compensation Laws

If a worker sustains an injury while working, they may file for workers' compensation or sue their employer under FELA. While both laws offer similar benefits, such as medical coverage, cash payments and loss of future earnings however, they differ in significant ways.

Unlike workers' compensation, which allows workers to file without having to prove that their employer was at fault, FELA requires the injured railroad employee to prove that their employer violated an unconstitutional safety law which caused their injuries. This includes laws like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Locomotive Inspection Act and Railroad Safety Appliance Act. This makes it harder to win a FELA claim than workers' compensation claims because evidence of negligence is required.

Additionally, FELA cases allow injured railroad workers to take their case to a jury trial, and be ruled on by a group of peers, not the authority in charge of administrative matters that manage workers' compensation claims. Lastly, FELA does not put an upper limit on the amount of compensation that could be awarded to an injured worker while workers' compensation claims limit damages in accordance with a set schedule.

The difference between these two statutes is crucial to know, particularly for railroad employees who are exempt from state laws on workers' compensation and are required to pursue their claims through FELA. If you or someone you know has been injured while working as a railroad employee, it is important to talk with experienced FELA attorneys.

To know more about the differences between FELA and state workers compensation laws, talk with an attorney from Grossman Law Offices today. We're ready to help you pursue the maximum benefits available under FELA. Click here to visit the National Division BLET's site to find a qualified Designated legal Counsel (DLC). The Grossman Law Offices law firm Law Offices represent railway workers and their families in FELA lawsuits. We offer no-cost consultations, and are available via phone or in person to discuss your case. Our lawyers also work on a contingency basis which means that you don't pay until we are successful in settling your case.

FELA against. State Workers' Compensation Statutes

The federal employers’ liability Employers' Liability Act (FELA) gives railroad workers the ability to sue their employers over injuries claims. Contrary to workers compensation, which offers the same amount of benefits regardless of who was responsible for the accident, FELA cases are decided by juries on the basis of comparative negligence. Moreover, FELA allows for much larger damage awards.

In addition to financial compensation, FELA provides for medical expenses and lost earnings (including future earning capacity) as well as death benefits and pain and suffering. In contrast workers' compensation gives only temporary medical benefits and a set amount of money for long-term disability. This usually is not enough to cover the actual losses of a worker.

The FELA law applies to railroads operating in international or interstate commerce, and allows injured employees and their family members to file an action against their employer for any damages resulting from the company's negligence. This LibGuide provides a starting point to research this issue. It includes links to various online resources on the Villanova Law Library's website. Some of these resources require a password for access.

This LibGuide is intended to serve as a study supplement for Villanova law students. The information contained in this guide should not be construed as legal advice. If you require more help, please consult an attorney.

Many workers do not realize that FELA is a unique piece of legislation that offers specific protections to railroad employees. Though many people believe that FELA and state laws on workers' compensation are the same however, they are quite different. Railroad workers who have been injured must be aware of the distinctions between the two kinds of claims to ensure that they can get the best representation. In the case of an injury, a qualified lawyer can help the injured employee or the family members of a deceased railroad worker to understand the various kinds of damages that are available to their claim. This will allow the injured worker to get the maximum recovery allowed under FELA. If you're a railroad worker injured while on the job, consult a firm of Designated Legal Counsel.