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Railroad FELA Injuries

As a railroad worker, if you have an accident or are injured on the job, you have rights under the federal law known as FELA or the Federal Employers’ Liability Act. Martin & Jones attorneys have been helping injured railroad workers protect their rights under the FELA for nearly two decades.

Each year, thousands of railroad workers are injured and tragically some are even killed on the job. Many more railroad workers (or retired railroad workers) are diagnosed with lung diseases such as mesothelioma and cancer, due to exposure to asbestos, silica, diesel exhaust, solvents and chemicals that the workers were exposed to years and even decades earlier at the railroad. When a railroad worker is injured or makes a claim, the railroads retain skilled attorneys to protect their interests.

How FELA Works With Railroad Claims

The FELA enables injured railroad workers to bring claims directly against the railroads where it can be shown that the railroad’s negligence caused the injury. Negligence is defined as the railroad’s failure to exercise reasonable care in its obligation to provide railroad workers a safe place to work. An injury could be the result of not providing a safe place to work, proper tools and equipment to do the job, or adequate help or training. A FELA lawsuit must be filed within three years of the date of the injury.

You should seek legal counsel and advice at the earliest opportunity if you believe you have a potential FELA case. Remember, the railroad claim agent is just that – an agent for the railroad. Our lawyers are your representatives. We protect your rights. We have been helping injured rail workers for more than 20 years.

We represent all railroad workers with their FELA claims, including those employed as engineers, conductors, brakemen and maintenance-of-way workers, We have successfully pursued recovery on behalf of workers employed at the following railroads:

• CSX Transportation
• Norfolk Southern
• Burlington Northern
• Union Pacific
• Amtrak
• Short line railroads across the east coast.

What You Should Do If You Are Injured In A Railroad Accident

• Get medical help — If you are involved in a railroad accident, you should make sure you obtain medical help immediately. You do not need to see a doctor selected by the railroad. Get help from a family doctor or specialists.
• Gather witnesses — This is always difficult after an accident. If possible gather the names, addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses while you are waiting for medical help to arrive.
• Preserve evidence — This can also be difficult after an accident, but taking video or photographic evidence of the scene is important. Also make sure to keep your work clothing, equipment you were using, medical equipment and papers from the railroad. This evidence could prove vital to your claim.
• Call a skilled FELA attorney — It is important to retain an attorney who is knowledgeable about FELA claims as soon as possible after a railroad accident. The railroad will be trying to protect their interests. It is the attorney’s job to protect yours.
• Avoid recorded statements — A railroad claim agent will contact you after the accident and request a statement. Do you provide any recorded or written statements to the railway company unless you are directed to do so by your attorney.
• Keep records — Maintain copies of all medical records. Provide these to your attorney. Do not give them to the railroad. If the railroad requires any documentation, your attorney can provide that to them.
• Look for surveillance — The railroad may be recording your movements after your injury. Be mindful of cars and individuals who may be following you or attempting to photograph you. Keep detailed notes and notify your attorney immediately.
• SBGIK

Let Martin & Jones Help You With Your FELA Claim

Talk to our attorneys today about your FELA claim. Learn how we approach railroad injury lawsuits and what we can do to protect your interests.  We have office locations in Raleigh, Durham, and Wilmington North Carolina.  Call us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation about your FELA claim.

Hear it from our clients

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

“Thank you for your concern of my well-being every time I spoke with you. It always meant so much. I hear nothing but awful stories of dealing with attorneys and their offices, but I have had nothing but positive experience. You have many special ways of working with people in need of help. Words can never express the way your support has been so helpful. I pray you will continue to help others. I wish you all the best.”

- Mary

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