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Workers Compensation Vs Federal Employers? Liability<br>
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If railroad workers suffer injuries at work, they are faced with unique legal issues. In contrast to most workers insurance laws, railroad workers have the right to sue their employers under federal law specifically the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).<br>
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To prevail in a FELA claim, railroad workers must prove two things. The first is that the injury was the result of negligence by their employer.<br>
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Workers' Compensation vs. FELA<br>
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While workers compensation and FELA both attempt to compensate workers for work-related injuries or illnesses, these two laws differ in a number of ways. FELA is only applicable to railroad workers, whereas workers' compensation is applicable to a wide variety of jobs in both the private and public sectors. FELA and workers' compensation differ in regards to who decides fault and how damages are determined, and where and how cases are tried.<br>
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FELA was passed because the danger of injury for railroad workers is high. Congress passed this law to protect workers, their families and themselves in the event of an injury while working. To receive compensation under FELA the worker must prove the employer violated a federal law or regulation related to workplace safety. Examples of violations include the Safety Appliance Act (SAA), Boiler Inspection Act (BIA) and Power Brake Law.<br>
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In addition to providing financial compensation for future and past loss of wages and medical treatments, FELA provides for damages which aren't covered under workers compensation, like pain and suffering. In contrast to claims for workers' compensation that are typically limited based on the type of injury sustained, FELA can seek compensation for non-economic losses that include emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of living.<br>
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The difference between FELA compensation and workers' compensation is the requirement that, in order to be eligible for compensation under FELA the worker must prove that the employer was at very least partially responsible for the injury. If a worker is found to be responsible for their injury the amount of their damages may be reduced. For example when a worker was instructed to do something that was in violation of company policy and were hurt as a result the company could be held 50% responsible for their injuries.<br>
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Workers' compensation has an earlier filing time for an claim than a FELA case. In the case of a FELA claim, the statute is three years from when your injury occurred, whereas in a workers' compensation case, it's only one year. It is therefore crucial to contact an FELA lawyer experienced in the earliest time you can after the injury.<br>
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FELA in vs. State Law<br>
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If a worker on the railroad is injured on the job and suffers an injury, they can make a claim under either workers compensation or the <a href="https://elearnportal.science/wiki/10_Strategies_To_Build_Your_Fela_Lawsu... Employers Liability Act</a> (FELA). Contrary to workers' compensation laws, which provide benefits regardless of who was responsible for the injury, FELA is a employers’ Liability act fela (<a href="https://qooh.me/coastpolish7">Qooh.me</a>) statute. Consequently the successful FELA claim requires evidence that the railroad was negligent and that the negligence played a role in the injury to the worker.<br>
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The FELA law, which was enacted in 1908, was designed to compensate railroad workers who have suffered injuries due to the nature of their job. Before the enactment this law, railroad employee accident and death rates were high. This resulted in the need for a comprehensive coverage that went beyond the workers' compensation laws.<br>
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In general the majority of cases, a FELA claim must be filed in a 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 involved an employee of a railroad that his employer was responsible under the FELA.<br>
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FELA claims are similar to claims for workers compensation claims in that they provide lost wages, medical costs as well as pain and suffering damages. These damages are based upon the fact that the railroad was liable for the injury or death because of its negligence or violation an applicable safety law, like the Locomotive Inspection Act and the Federal Safety Appliance Act. A FELA plaintiff must prove that the injury, or death, was caused in part or completely due to such negligence.<br>
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FELA cases have influenced tort law by establishing of precedents for issues like a railroad emotional distress and damages allocation, as well as working conditions standards. In particular, FELA claims have brought federal attention to an employer's non-delegable duty to ensure that their employees are safe in their workplace. This includes off-site locations like hotels that private parties use where a railroad's workers might stay while traveling to work. An experienced attorney for railroads can assist a railroad worker get the full benefits to which they are entitled to under FELA.<br>
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FELA vs. State Workers' Compensation Laws<br>
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If a worker sustains an injury while working and suffers an injury on the job, they can file for workers' compensation or sue their employer under FELA. Although both laws provide similar benefits, like medical coverage, cash payouts and loss of future earnings however, they differ in significant ways.<br>
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In contrast to workers' compensation which permits employees to file without proving that their employer was at fault for their injuries, FELA requires that the injured railroad employee prove that their employer violated a safety rule of the federal government that caused their injury. This includes laws such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Locomotive Inspection Act and Railroad Safety Appliance Act. It is more difficult to win a FELA case than a workers' compensation claim, because the evidence of negligence has to be presented.<br>
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FELA allows railroad workers injured by a crash to have their cases considered by a panel of their peers, and not the authority that oversees administrative workers compensation claims. Additionally, FELA does not put an upper limit on the amount of damages that may be given to injured workers while workers compensation claims limit damage awards according to a pre-determined timetable.<br>
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It is important to know the difference between these two statutes, particularly for railroad employees who are not covered by state laws on workers' compensation. They are required to be pursuing their cases under FELA. If you or someone you love was injured while working as a railroad employee, it is crucial to speak with experienced FELA lawyers.<br>
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Grossman Law Offices can help you learn more about the differences in state workers' compensation laws and FELA. Contact us today to speak to an attorney. We are prepared to help you get the most benefits under FELA. To locate a reputable Designated Legal Counsel (DLC) firm click here to be taken to the National Division BLET website. Grossman Law Offices represents railway workers and their family members in FELA lawsuits. We provide free consultations and are able to discuss your situation by phone or in person. Our attorneys work on a contingent basis, meaning you will not be charged unless you win.<br>
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FELA against. State Workers' Compensation Statutes<br>
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The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) gives railroad workers the ability to sue their employers over injuries claims. In contrast to workers' compensation which is a fixed amount regardless of the fault, FELA cases will be determined by juries based on comparative negligence. Moreover, FELA allows for much larger damage awards.<br>
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FELA also covers medical expenses, lost wages (including future earning potential) as well as death benefits along with suffering and pain. Workers compensation, on contrary, provides only temporary medical treatment and a set amount of money to cover long-term disabilities which is usually less than the amount an individual loses.<br>
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The FELA law is applicable to railroads that are involved in global or interstate commerce. It permits injured employees and their families to sue their employers for damages directly caused by the negligence of the company. This LibGuide offers a base for research on this topic. It also provides links to a variety of online resources on the Villanova Law Library's website. Some of these resources require a password for access.<br>
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This LibGuide is intended as an educational supplement for Villanova law students. Nothing in this guide should be construed as legal advice. Consult an attorney if you need assistance.<br>
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Many workers are unaware that FELA offers railroad workers specialized protections. Many people believe that FELA is like state laws on workers' compensation however they aren't. Railroad workers who have been injured must be aware of the distinctions between the two kinds of claims to ensure they can receive the best representation. A skilled lawyer can assist the family of a railroad worker who has died or the injured employee in understanding the different types damages available to them. The injured person will be able to receive the maximum amount of compensation allowed by FELA. If you're a railway worker injured while on the job, consult a firm of Designated Legal Counsel.