Federal Employers Liability Act
Railroads were once a major part of our transportation system. Although we can now rely on cars and airplanes, trains are still important for transporting many different products. Interestingly, railroad workers can receive different compensation coverage compared to other employees. According the Federal Employers Liability Act, or FELA, railroad workers may use a different system of compensation coverage that may result in more comprehensive compensation.
If you are a railroad worker who has been injured on the job, it can be important to understand the major differences between common workers’ compensation law and these railroad worker compensation rules. For more information regarding your options as an injured worker, contact the New Jersey workers’ compensation attorneys of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., by calling 800-346-5529 today.
How is FELA Different?
Under regular compensation laws, a person can file for workers’ compensation after an injury. The employer and compensation insurer will then check over the petition. If they decide a claim is legitimate, that employee will receive compensation according to the type and severity of their injury. Under FELA compensation, however, the following changes occur:
- Proof of negligence is required to receive compensation
- Compensation is determined through litigation, not compensation schedules
- Workers may ask for emotional damages
This form of compensation works much more similarly to standard civil litigation. This means that, after an injury, a worker can take their case to court.
Contact Us
If you or someone you love has been injured while working on a railroad, there may be workers’ compensation available to help recover during this tough situation. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact the New Jersey workers’ comp lawyers of Levinson Axelrod, P.A., today at 800-346-5529.

