What should I look for in selecting an attorney for my case?
In the end, every case including FELA cases comes down to one thing: money. The real issue in selecting an attorney is who can get you the most money for your claim. It is well known that some firms that handle FELA claims are reluctant to try disputed or difficult cases, and some have developed a reputation that they “settle everything.”
Railroads, like all corporate defendants, will pay more money to injury victims who are represented by high-caliber trial attorneys who have a reputation for successfully trying FELA cases to jury verdict when necessary. The attorneys at Holland, Groves, Schneller & Stolze, LLC have tried nearly 100 cases, primarily involving railroad and barge injuries. We have obtained record-setting jury verdicts, including the largest FELA judgment in United States history, the largest FELA verdict in Missouri history, the largest FELA verdict in Florida history and a number of other record-setting results. We translated this courtroom success into unprecedented and unmatched out-of-court settlements for our clients, including three confidential settlements in 2003 for injured railroad workers
What should I do if I am injured on the job working for the railroad?
Inform your supervisor or boss immediately. Every railroad requires you to complete an accident or injury report immediately, and some require you to do it before you leave company property. The injury report is VITAL to your case and, if possible, you should obtain legal advice before completing it. Remember, the railroad is not responsible for your injury unless you can prove that the equipment, tools, working conditions, or work methods were unsafe. Make sure you list on the report every unsafe condition that contributed in any way to your injury. You should also keep in mind that any fault that you attribute to yourself will be used as an offset against what the railroad owes you.
Under the FELA, do I have the right to select my own doctor?
Yes, you can go to any doctor that you pick. You do not have to get on-going medical treatment from a railroad doctor. Often times, doctors hired by the railroad release injured workers back to work based on incomplete or inaccurate information. You should make sure you are getting a fair and impartial opinion about your medical condition before returning to work.
Do I have to give a recorded statement to the railroad?
Generally, you are only required by company rules to fill out the accident/injury report mentioned above. You are not required by the rules of any major railroads to give an additional recorded statement, but should simply refer any company officials to review the injury report you completed. Under no circumstances should you talk to a railroad officer or official without talking to an experienced FELA attorney first.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at info@allfela.com. Our toll free number is 1-877-ALL-FELA.