Even a single train engine is enough to outweigh almost any vehicle you’d find on the roads. The risk to life and limb is great when these massive vehicles get into even minor accidents. Railroad workers take great pains to avoid injury, but sometimes, accidents happen.
If you’ve been hurt on the job in the railroad industry, or if you’ve been hurt in any train accident, speak with our railroad accident attorneys in Wayne at Morelli Law Firm. Our team of trusted and experienced personal injury attorneys can help you pay for your bills after your accident.
What Is FELA?
The Federal Employers Liability Act was passed to protect and compensate railroad workers if they can prove the railroad shared negligence in causing their injury. It is similar to workers’ compensation, but with an important difference. You have to prove fault to gain compensation.
However, as long as the worker is not 100% at fault, they can sue for damages in state or federal court, and the awards for compensation are usually much higher than similar workers’ compensation claims. It is an important labor law, and one of the oldest in American law.
If you can and choose to sue under FELA, the percentage of fault you had in your accident will reduce your compensation you share. This is called comparative negligence. Our railroad accident lawyers can fight back against claims that you shared negligence.
Does FELA Protect Others?
No, though sometimes, contracted non-railroad workers are covered under FELA. Also, family members of killed railroad workers can bring suit under the law. For all other railroad injuries, the path to a remedy lies in suing the responsible parties.
Morelli Law has been at the forefront of some of the most major train accident cases in our practice region. In 2015, an Amtrak train derailed in Philadelphia, killing eight and injuring 200. We were able to win the case in favor of the victims for over $295 million.
Also, we pushed to raise the damage caps for the victims of this accident by helping with a new Amtrak bill, working with members of Congress to lobby for a change in the laws. Few law firms have the experience, success, and clout to go this far for victims of railroad accidents.
Wayne Railroad Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
What Should I Do After a Train Accident in Wayne?
If you are in a vehicle and you get in a train accident, the procedure is the same as with any other vehicle accident. First, seek immediate medical attention for yourself if necessary. Contact the police and speak with the train conductor to exchange information. Also, take photos of the scene and your injuries.
If you are on the train during an accident, stay at the scene to give a report if your injuries permit. Take photos for later evidence. Regardless of the accident, see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. They can find injuries you may not feel yet.
Once you’ve seen a medical professional, the next step is to contact a railroad accident lawyer in Wayne. You want to find a lawyer that has this as a speciality. Not all personal injury lawyers do. If you live in Wayne, consider reaching out to us for a free consultation.
Why Hire a Wayne Railroad Accident Lawyer
It’s likely you’re facing enormous bills and difficulty dealing with your injuries after your train accident. You need to focus on recovery, but you also want to seek compensation. Our railroad accident lawyers in Wayne can handle that for you, along with many other tasks like:
- Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses for your case
- Speaking with doctors and railroad experts to see who was at fault and how much
- Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf
- Calculating the complete costs of your injuries, not what the insurance company thinks you’re owed
- Keeping your case moving forward through the court system and ensuring we miss no legal deadlines
- Keeping you informed of everything that’s happening
You should not be stuck with the bill for a railroad accident that wasn’t your fault. It is our task to ensure you get compensated for what happened to you. Even other personal injury lawyers hire separate lawyers to handle their cases so that they can focus on recovery!
Call Morelli Law for Help With Your Case
Even though train accidents cause so much damage, train insurers will still try to reduce due compensation to victims. Morelli Law Firm’s railroad accident attorneys in Wayne will fight on your behalf. To get started on your case, you can call us or use our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation.