7 Steps for Seriously Injured Railroad Employees

Railroad accidents frequently involve very serious injuries, many of which result in lifelong disabilities, loss of the ability to work, and permanent lifestyle changes. When these kinds of injuries happen because of the railroad’s failure to provide a reasonably safe workplace — which occurs far too often — injured railroad employees will need to file a personal injury claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) in order to recover fair compensation for his or her injury.

In a FELA claim, injured railroad employees can pursue compensation not only for medical costs and loss of income while recovering from the injury, but also for future earning potential that is reduced by the injury, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and other economic and non-economic damages. However, railroads fight FELA claims aggressively in order to avoid paying injury victims the fair compensation they are due. Claim agents manipulate victims and evidence in an attempt to discredit victims and their claims. This is why it is essential to have an experienced FELA attorney represent you if you’re a railroad employee who was seriously injured in a workplace accident.

To ensure they are able to recover the maximum damages appropriate for their injuries, and injured railroad employee should follow as many of the steps below as possible.

Steps Injured Railroad Employees Should Take After a Railroad Accident Resulting in Serious Injuries

1. Immediately get medical attention. Go to a hospital if the injury is an emergency. Otherwise get examined by your family doctor. Do not get examined by a doctor chosen by the railroad as their interest will be skewed toward the company’s interests, not yours.
2. Do not speak to a claim agent without your attorney present. Don’t make any statements, written or recorded, about the accident. Claim agents work for the railroad and will try to manipulate you into saying things that will hurt your claim.
3. If able to do so, get names, telephone numbers and addresses of any witnesses while still on the scene. If you are unable to, have someone else do so if possible.
4. Take photos of the accident scene if possible — even photos taken with a digital camera on a cell phone can be helpful.
5. As soon as you are able, contact a lawyer with experience in FELA cases. If necessary, have a family member or friend contact an attorney for you.
6. Do NOT throw out anything related to your injury or the accident that caused it, including clothing, equipment, medical devices, papers, medical records or other potential evidence. Let your attorney determine what will be useful for your case.
7. Do NOT sign anything provided by the railroad or its claim agents or give release of your medical records to the railroad.

Don’t Go It Alone: Get the Help You Need with Your FELA Claim

In Michigan, the personal injury firm of Sachs Waldman, P.C., can provide injured railroad employees with the representation they need to succeed in their FELA claim and receive fair compensation for the damages they suffer. Our experienced railroad injury lawyers excel in gathering evidence and presenting a convincing case in order to pursue a settlement offer or jury verdict. Call our Detroit personal injury attorneys’ office at 1-800-638-6722 to schedule a free consultation.