What Is FELA?
The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) is a U.S. law enacted in 1908 to protect and compensate railroad workers injured on the job due to the negligence of their employer. Unlike workers' compensation systems, FELA is fault-based, requiring employees to prove employer negligence to recover damages.
Key Provisions of FELA
- Employer Responsibility: Railroads must provide safe working conditions, adequate training, and properly maintained equipment.
- Proving Negligence: Employees must demonstrate that the railroad’s negligence played a role, even minimally, in their injury.
- Compensation: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, with no limits on damages.
Importance of FELA in Personal Injury Cases
- Broader Recovery Options: FELA allows for larger recoveries compared to traditional workers' compensation systems.
- Challenges for Employees: Proving negligence requires strong evidence and skilled legal representation.
- Scope of Coverage: Applies exclusively to railroad workers, including conductors, engineers, and maintenance personnel.
FELA ensures fair treatment for injured railroad workers and holds employers accountable for maintaining safe workplaces.
