Gulfport FELA Attorneys Defend Railroads in FELA Claims
Mississippi train accident lawyers represent employers and rail lines
The Gulfport FELA attorneys at Franke & Salloum, PLLC work hard to negotiate or litigate FELA disputes. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) has been the law since the early 1900s. It allows employees of interstate rail lines to bring claims when they are injured in the course of their employment. FELA is different from workers’ compensation because workers must prove that their workplace was not safe. Our experienced and skilled injury attorneys have successfully defended railroads against false, unfounded or exaggerated claims.
Defending railroad employers against accusations of fault
Jobs on the railroad can be dangerous. Workers are exposed to the elements while working with heavy equipment and massive machines. Engineers, mechanics, brakemen, switchmen, welders and yard workers all risk injury every day. Most railway employers take safety seriously, but sometimes their negligence contributes to an accident. Our trustworthy Mississippi attorneys help railroad companies prove that they were not responsible for the conditions that led to a work accident or injury such as:
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Electrocutions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Respiratory disease and other illnesses due to exposure
Our attorneys represent Gulfport rail employers after a workplace accident
Understanding liability under FELA
FELA works the same way in every state. Those who have been hurt while working for a railroad company can recover under FELA, but they must prove that their employer was at least partially responsible for their injuries. An employer is liable for whatever percentage of an injury is their fault. Under FELA, workers can recover compensation for pain and suffering. The amount awarded is determined by a jury. Injured workers can also recover for lost wages and medical expenses. The knowledgeable and skilled attorneys at our firm work to achieve a fair result for employers through negotiation or litigation.
Defending companies from FELA claims
FELA’s protections only apply to workers employed by interstate rail companies. This means that many yard workers, commuter rail workers and other types of railroad employees may be excluded. Employees who are not eligible for FELA can usually recover benefits under Mississippi unemployment laws. Workers only have three years from the date of their injury to bring a claim. In cases of injuries due to long-term exposure, such as hearing loss, workers only have three years to bring a claim from the time they should have known about the injury. Our attorneys work to prove that employees waited too long. Our Mississippi attorneys help railroad companies settle or litigate FELA claims.
If you are involved in a dispute about a railroad work injury, call us today
At Franke & Salloum, PLLC, we provide experienced and skilled help to railroad employers. Call us at 228-868-7070 or contact us online to schedule a consultation at our Gulfport office.