According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in 2023, 3,435 railroad workers were injured while on duty. If you work for a railroad and were injured due to your job, your rights are a little different from most other workers. Instead of regular workers’ compensation, your claim may fall under a special federal law called the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, or FELA.
This guide breaks down what these cases are, how they work, and what you should do if you’re injured. Whether you’re a train operator, signal worker, conductor, or maintenance employee, understanding FELA law is key to protecting yourself and your family after an accident.
We are experienced Illinois attorneys who, since 2001, have helped people find the best Illinois personal injury lawyer for their case. You can call our office at 312-346-5320 or 800-517-1614 to speak with a lawyer for FREE, or you can fill out our contact form, and we will contact you.
Contact Illinois Lawyers today if you’ve been injured as a railroad worker.
Key Takeaways
- FELA case law gives injured railroad workers the right to recover compensation if their employer’s negligence — even a small part — caused the injury.
- FELA law is different from standard workers’ compensation because it requires proof of fault but allows larger recoveries for pain, suffering, and long-term losses.
- Common causes of injury for railroad workers include unsafe equipment, toxic exposure, poor maintenance, or failure to follow safety rules.
- To win a case, you must show four things: you work for a railroad, were injured on the job, the railroad was negligent, and you suffered damages.
- Injured workers have up to three years to file, but early action helps preserve evidence and strengthen the claim.
- Always work with an experienced attorney or FELA injury law firm — the railroad will have its own legal team protecting its interests.
- IllinoisLawyers.com connects you with trusted FELA law firms, for FREE, that know how to handle FELA railroad law cases and fight for fair compensation.
What Is a FELA Case?
FELA cases give injured railroad employees the right to recover compensation when their injury was caused — even partly — by their employer’s negligence.
Unlike regular workers’ comp claims, these cases require proof that the railroad did something wrong (or failed to do something it should have). The good news? You don’t have to prove 100% fault. Even if the railroad’s negligence played a small role, that’s enough to win compensation under the FELA railroad law.
FELA vs. Workers’ Compensation
| Workers’ Compensation | FELA (Federal Employers’ Liability Act) |
| No need to prove fault. | Must prove employer negligence (even a little). |
| Covers basic medical bills and lost wages. | Can include pain, suffering, emotional distress, and future earnings. |
| Handled by state agencies. | Governed by federal FELA law. |
| Quicker but smaller payouts. | Larger potential compensation, but more complex. |
In short, FELA railroad cases are more like personal injury lawsuits than typical workers’ comp claims.
Who Can File a FELA Claim?
Almost anyone who works for a railroad can file a FELA claim if they were hurt on the job. This includes:
- Engineers and conductors
- Track maintenance workers
- Signal operators
- Yardmasters
- Clerical employees
Even if your injury didn’t happen on the tracks — say, in a rail yard, parking lot, or company housing — FELA injury case law often still applies. The key is whether the injury was connected to your railroad employment.
Common Causes of FELA Railroad Cases
Railroad work is dangerous, and accidents can happen anywhere. Here are some common causes that lead to railroad worker injuries:
- Unsafe equipment or poorly maintained tracks
- Inadequate safety procedures
- Fatigue from long shifts or insufficient breaks
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, fumes, or asbestos
- Falls from railcars or platforms
- Electrical injuries
- Poor lighting or slippery work areas
FELA Lawsuit Settlements
Not every case goes to trial. In fact, most Fela lawsuits end in a negotiated settlement.
A settlement is an agreement where the railroad pays a lump sum to resolve your claim. Settlement amounts depend on:
- The severity and permanence of your injury
- Medical costs and future treatment needs
- Lost income or inability to return to work
- Pain and suffering
- Evidence of employer negligence
Your attorney will calculate these damages and negotiate with the railroad’s attorneys to reach a fair amount. If a fair deal can’t be reached, your FELA lawyer can take your case to trial.
Building a Strong FELA Claim
A strong case needs to show four things:
- You were employed by a railroad.
- You were injured while performing your job duties.
- The railroad’s negligence played a part in your injury.
- You suffered measurable damages (medical costs, lost income, pain, etc.).
The legal term “negligence” can sound intimidating, but it just means the company didn’t act with reasonable care. Maybe they ignored a safety rule, failed to fix a known hazard, or didn’t train you properly. Under FELA law, even a small act of negligence can make a big difference in your claim.
What Damages Can You Recover?
In FELA lawsuits, injured workers can recover:
- Medical bills: All past, current, and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages: Income lost while you’re recovering.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Both physical and emotional trauma caused by your injury.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: Compensation for lasting harm.
Depending on the severity of the injury and strength of the evidence, some FELA settlements can reach six or even seven figures.
How Long Do You Have to File a FELA Claim?
You typically have three years from the date of your injury to file a FELA claim, starting when your injury — or work-related illness — is discovered or should reasonably have been discovered. But waiting too long can make your case harder to prove because witnesses move, evidence disappears, and memories fade.
If you think you might have a claim, contact Illinois Lawyers today to get free legal guidance and get connected to FELA law attorney as soon as possible. Acting fast gives your legal team time to build the strongest possible case.
Steps to Take After a Railroad Injury
If you’ve been hurt, follow these steps right away:
1. Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health comes first. Get checked out as soon as possible, even if your injury seems minor. Make sure the doctor documents your condition thoroughly.
Don’t rely solely on the company doctor. Many railroad doctors work closely with the employer, which can create conflicts of interest. You’re allowed to choose your own physician — and it’s usually smarter to do so.
2. Report the Accident
Notify your supervisor or safety officer in writing. Be short and factual — avoid guessing or taking blame. A simple, honest report helps build the foundation for your FELA lawsuit.
3. Collect Evidence
Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene, and any unsafe conditions. The sooner you document everything, the stronger your FELA injury case will be.
4. Contact Illinois Lawyers
Don’t face the railroad’s legal team alone. These companies often have entire departments dedicated to minimizing payouts. Working with an experienced FELA law attorney or FELA injury law firm that Illinois Lawyers recommends levels the playing field.
The lawyers we connect you with will:
- Investigate your accident
- Gather medical and safety records
- Negotiate with the railroad’s claim agents
- File your case in federal or state court if needed
- Fight for the full value of your FELA case settlements
- Work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay if they win your case.
(The percentage is typically between 25% and 40%.)
How Illinois Lawyers Can Help You
At Illinois Lawyers, we’ve spent over 20 years helping injured workers across Illinois connect with the right attorneys for their unique situations.
When you contact us, you won’t get a sales pitch or a generic referral list. You’ll talk directly to an experienced lawyer who gives you honest, free legal advice — the same kind we’d offer a friend or family member.
Here’s how we help:
- Personalized attorney matching: We’ll connect you with a trusted FELA law firm that has a proven track record of winning settlements.
- Straightforward guidance: We’ll explain your rights in plain English so you understand your options before making any decisions.
- No pressure, no payment: We never charge you for our advice, and no attorney pays us to be recommended. Our goal is to help you find the best FELA attorney for your case — not just anyone with a license.
- Experience that matters: Because we’ve worked with so many Illinois firms, we know which law firms get results and which ones truly fight for railroad workers.
Whether you were injured in a rail yard, on a train, or during maintenance work, Illinois Lawyers can help you take the next step confidently. We make sure you’re matched with a lawyer who understands how to win your FELA claim— so you can focus on healing and getting your life back.
Call Illinois Lawyers anytime at (312) 346-5320 or (800) 517-1614.
