Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) Attorneys in NY

Tremendous railroad expansion coupled with intensified risks for railroad workers culminated in Congress passing the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Unlike workers compensation, FELA allows railroad employees and their families to sue employers for negligence causing work injuries and death.

Because railroads are an interstate transportation industry and FELA is a federal law, courts hear cases at both the federal and state levels. FELA attorneys in New York City at Hach & Rose effectively pursue FELA cases on behalf of our clients in New York and nationwide.

Experienced FELA representation for union members

Hach & Rose has extensive experience fighting for union members and their families. We represent railroad workers employed by the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), Amtrak, Metro North, Chessie Seaboard Expanded (CSX), New Jersey Transit, Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail), and other railways.

Our FELA attorneys are also designated counsel for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 754 and the Independent Railroad Supervisors Union (IRSA).

The types of train accidents in New York and throughout the United States that our firm handles arise from different causes, including—

  • Head-on train collisions
  • Rail yard hazards
  • Derailment
  • Railroad crossing signal malfunction
  • Platform gaps
  • Falls involving commuters
  • Improper line switching
  • Excessive train speed
  • Non-operational tracks
  • Locomotive mechanical failures
  • Boiler explosions

FELA cases are negligence-based

Whether representing injury victims or their families in wrongful death cases, New York train accident lawyers must prove negligence on the part of the railroad company. Courts base FELA cases on comparative negligence law, which means plaintiffs may recover damages even if the court assigns a fault percentage to the plaintiff. For example, if the court determines that the plaintiff was 60 percent at fault for causing the accident, the plaintiff can still recover 40 percent of the damage amounts claimed.

Recoverable damages in FELA cases include—

  • Lost wages (past, future, and insurance coverage)
  • Medical costs (past and future treatment)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental distress
  • Permanent injury
  • Scarring or disfigurement

The statute of limitations for bringing legal action is three years from the accident date. However, the sooner you contact our FELA attorneys, the sooner we can provide you with legal advice, investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, and protect your rights.

Discuss your FELA case in a free consultation at no obligation. Call (212) 779-0057 or contact Hach & Rose online today.