Federal Employers Liability Act Law

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, Office of Safety Analysis, there were 12,397 accidents on federal railroads in 2008 alone, resulting in 796 fatalities and 8,521 injuries*.

The Federal Employers Liability Act

Adopted by Congress in 1908, the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) protects the rights of railroad workers injured or disabled because of their jobs. In many ways, FELA offers more protection than workers' compensation. It allows railroad workers to collect current and future lost wages and benefits, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. FELA does, however, require employees to prove the railroad company's negligence caused or contributed to their accident or injury. FELA operates on a comparative law fault system—if workers are partially at fault for their injuries, they are unable to recover full damages for their accidents.

Common causes of accidents and injuries

While railway accidents occur in a variety of situations, the most common types of train accidents resulting in injuries are derailments and collisions. Highway-rail incidents—incidents between motor vehicles and other highway/roadway/sidewalk users at public and private crossings—and trespassing account for 92.6% of fatalities*. Improper signage and malfunctioning safety devices are large contributors to highway-rail incidents. The majority of passenger injuries occur because of—

Trouble getting off or on standing trains
Stumbling aboard trains
Assault

Train accidents
Crossing incidents
Track accidents

Customized service for the injured

Seidman Law Offices represent railroad employees and innocent victims injured in railway accidents, including L train accidents, throughout Illinois. Attorneys Steven J. Seidman and Christopher D. Freeman have an in-depth understanding of the rights of injured individuals under FELA and other railroad-related statutes and regulations, including the Federal Safety Appliance Act (FSAA) and the Locomotive Inspection Act (LIA).

Our lawyers take the time to make sure you know what each step of your case entails. We work together to develop strong arguments to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries. When preparing your claim for court, we—

Investigate all the details of your accident
Carefully preserve evidence
Speak to witnesses

Consult experts
File reports and paperwork
Communicate with insurance and railroad companies

Our clients

At Seidman Law Offices, our FELA and railroad injury attorneys work with—

Automobile drivers
Railway passengers
Pedestrians
Conductors
Engineers

Brakemen
Roadmasters
Trainmasters
Yardmasters
Firemen

Locomotive mechanics
Carmen
Signal maintainers
Switchmen

Uncommon results. Exceptional attorneys. Specialized care.

Located close to the Sears Tower in Chicago, Seidman Law Offices are easily accessible by public transportation. To better suit your needs, we keep flexible hours and are available on evenings and weekends by appointment. We meet with you at home or in the hospital if you are unable to travel because of your injuries.

Contact our office today for a free initial consultation with a knowledgeable railroad injury attorney.