We are often asked “Do I have to give a statement to a railroad claim agent in a FELA case?”  The short and simple answer is “no, you do not have to provide a statement” before contacting an experienced FELA injury attorney at HLH for a free consultation at (866) 583-9701 and speaking with union representation.

Have you suffered injuries while working in any capacity in the rail yard or for a railroad company?  You could qualify for extensive benefits and compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act or FELA, which applies to the railroad industry and its employees.

The first thing to understand about your FELA claim agent is this: they are not interested in or paid to look out for your best interests.  Their sole job is to get you to forget or settle your FELA injury claim as quickly as possible and for the lowest possible amount.

It is simply never in your interest to speak directly with your FELA injury claim agent.  The claim agent is a highly trained and skilled interviewer who is intently focused upon saving the railroad money.  The questions asked and the “natural” conversation they seem to offer are designed to reduce or eliminate the financial liability of the railroad.

If a FELA claim agent approaches you or asks you to come in and provide a statement, politely inform them you aren’t ready to provide any information, and your attorney or union representative will contact them.  Walk away.  No matter how friendly, relaxed or concerned the claim agent seems to be, do not engage them in any conversation.

Do not believe their earnest statements of “I just want to help” or “I’m required to get a short statement for the record” or any claim about needing information so they can process your medical bills.  It is simply not true, and it is absolutely not in your best interests.

“Do I have to give a statement to a railroad claim agent in a FELA case?”  What is in your best interest?  What should you do if you are injured while working in a rail yard or for a railroad company?  Contact the experienced FELA injury attorneys at Hargadon, Lenihan & Herrington, PLLC (HLH) in Louisville, KY for a free and thorough consultation.  Call to speak personally with an HLH attorney with decades of FELA experience and a proven track record of success in these cases at (866) 583-9701.