Why is FELA injury compensation so important to those who work on Kentucky railroads? Railroad workers must put in long hours on the job, and are asked to perform difficult and dangerous work. The risks a railroad worker encounters in a normal work day are much higher than many other professions. When an injury occurs, it is often severe with permanent and life-changing consequences. Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington, PLLC or HLH works to ensure injured railroad workers receive full compensation through the Federal Employers Liability Act or FELA for the injuries they receive at work.
Railroad work is demanding and the schedule in a rail yard and across the railway system often includes irregular hours. Many railroad workers find it difficult to establish normal sleeping habits which can ultimately result in fatigue and sleep disorders.
Fatigue and sleep disorders are concerning in and of themselves. When you combine the impact of these issues with a dangerous work environment it can and will have an impact on a railroad worker’s safety.
What makes FELA injury compensation so important to those who work on Kentucky railroads? There are a number of unique working conditions which threaten the safety of railroad workers. While FELA benefits are much like the workers’ compensation benefits enjoyed by most Kentuckians, there is one significant difference:
FELA is a “fault based” system. A railroad worker has to prove negligence however so slight in order to prevail. Negligence however so slight is a much lower standard than your standard negligence claim.
In order to receive FELA benefits the attorneys at HLH must prove a qualifying serious injury or wrongful death was due (in whole or in part) to the negligence of a railroad employee, a contractor or another agent of the railroad. The injury may also be due to a faulty piece of equipment.
FELA covers personal injury claims, as well as repetitive stress, cumulative trauma injuries and exposure to asbestos. HLH attorneys must prove other parties or conditions contributed to our client’s injuries.
Railroad workers face difficult schedules and unique dangers at work every day. Any railroad related injury may have a permanent impact upon the lives of the injured worker and their families. This is what makes FELA injury compensation so important to those who work on Kentucky railroads.
HLH works closely with our clients to prove the negligence which contributed to their injuries while seeking the full and fair compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured as a railroad employee we invite you to contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 to speak personally with one of our experienced FELA attorneys for a free consultation.