Great Falls Railroad Accident Lawyer

Railroad worker injuries fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which means the process for pursuing justice after these incidents is more complex than a typical workplace injury, even when a train accident leads to catastrophic or fatal injuries.

If you were injured in a train collision, you could be entitled to compensation under this Act. You don’t have to pursue justice on your own because a seasoned workplace injury attorney can help. Let a Great Falls railroad accident lawyer advise you of your legal options.

Who Can Make a FELA Claim?

Claims under FELA are not available to everyone. This system of compensation is designed for railroad workers, and it applies to virtually everyone who works in the industry. A Great Falls railroad accident attorney can answer questions about qualifying for benefits.

There is a common misconception that benefits are only available to workers who are actively on the tracks, but any railroad employee, from conductors to office workers, has the ability to seek compensation under the Act. Some positions that often file claims include the following:

  • Brakemen
  • Inspectors
  • Conductors
  • Signalmen
  • Office staff
  • Electricians
  • Maintenance crews

One of the major differences between workers’ compensation and FELA claims is the way it impacts independent contractors. Workers’ comp benefits are usually not an option for contractors, but they can qualify when working on the railroad when they can show they worked under the guidance of an employee during that time.

Recovering Damages Following an Accident

A railroad accident attorney in Great Falls can provide helpful insight into the types of damages that might be available. A claim could provide a monetary award based on the extent of a person’s injuries.

Medical Costs

The cost of medical care can be overwhelming for those hurt in a railroad accident. Not only does this include the emergency treatment that occurs in the aftermath of the incident, but any ongoing costs as well. Both past and future expenses could be covered through a successful claim.

Disability

The inability to earn a living is a common outcome following serious injuries. When a person is temporarily unable to maintain their employment with the railroad, they could be entitled to past and future lost wages. When their disability impacts their ability to perform work in the future, they might also have the right to recover compensation for their lowered future earnings.

Additional compensation can be available for a worker who is permanently disabled. These damages could entirely replace a person’s wages when they are no longer able to earn a living due to their injuries.

A disability can be either partial or full. The difference depends on the person’s ability to work in some capacity and whether they can maintain any level of employment due to their health condition.

Talk to a Great Falls Railroad Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible

When you are recovering from injuries related to one of these railway incidents, you might be entitled to benefits through a successful FELA claim. Securing this compensation can be challenging without help. The law surrounding this system of benefits is difficult to navigate. Contact a Great Falls railroad accident lawyer at Boland Aarab PLLP who could assist you with your case. Our attorneys have over three thousand hours in the courtroom.