Bauer & Baebler, P. C.
1716 S. Broadway
St. Louis, Missouri 63104
phone: 314-241-7700
fax: 314-241-0003
email: law@bauer-baebler.com

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800-637-3286

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Almost any worker employed by a railroad company will be protected under FELA if they are injured on the job, including those whose primary duties are not performed in or around trains. more

To succeed in a medical malpractice case, a plaintiff has to show an injury or damages that resulted from the doctor's deviation from the standard of care applicable to the procedure. more

Numerous federal and state statutes, regulations, and safety orders concerning a variety of products might be helpful in proving a product liability case. more

Figuring out who is at fault in an accident is a matter of deciding who was careless. For traffic accidents, your state's traffic laws provide guidelines by which liability may be measured. more

FELA-An Overview Railroad workers face a dangerous work environment that is filled with potential hazards. As a result, at the turn of the century, in 1908 Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (known as “FELA”) for the protection of the thousands of railroad workers employed nationwide. FELA established and continues to provide a federal system of legal recovery for railroad workers and their families, for injuries suffered by the railroad worker while on the job. If an equipment defect causes an injury to a railroad worker, the employer will likely be liable for those injuries under FELA, based on its failure to properly inspect the work environment. Employer's Workplace Duties When Congress enacted the Federal Employers Liability Act (known as “FELA”) for the protection of railroad workers nationwide, it not only created a system where injured workers could receive legal compensation for their injuries, it also provided railroad companies and employers with something of an uniform liability standard applicable to working conditions and employee safety on the job. The FELA requires that railroads provide their workers with a reasonably safe work environment at all times and in all situations. OSHA & Workplace Safety One of the easiest ways to prove that a railroad company/employer is liable for your injuries under FELA is to establish that some federal workplace safety regulation was violated in connection with your injuries. The Federal Railroad Administration standards and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards and regulations apply to work done by railroad employees, so it is helpful to have a general idea of your rights under the FRA and OSHA as a railroad employee. The FRA and OSHA standards are not the only federal guidelines that can govern workplace safety. Other such standards that might come into play in a FELA claim include the Boiler Inspection Act and the Safety Appliance Act. Your attorney will assess the applicability of any and all work environment safety regulations in your case, in making a determination as to who is responsible for your injuries. What To Do If You Are Injured The events that occur immediately after any workplace injury are often the most critical to the rights of the injured employee, and claims under FELA are no different. If you or a loved one have been injured while employed as a railroad worker, it is important that you take certain steps and precautions after the incident, to ensure that your rights to compensation under FELA are not compromised. You should immediately call Bauer & Baebler, P.C. at 1(800) 682-4529 to advise you regarding your rights and how to proceed. FELA Resource Links Federal Railroad Administration From the U.S. Department of Transportation, includes information on railroad development, safety, and legislation. AFL-CIO Links to information on occupational health and employee rights in the workplace. National Transportation Safety Board A government agency investigating transportation safety issues and causes of accidents. National Labor Relations Board An independent federal agency concerned with representation, investigation, and remedies for unfair labor practices by employers and unions. Association of American Railroads Member railroad companies committed to keeping the railroads of North America safe, fast, efficient, clean, and technologically advanced. Home | FirmOverview | B&B Fela Practice | Other B&B Practice Areas | Contact Us FELA | Medical Malpractice | Product Liability | Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney Profiles | Client Testimonials | Referring Attorneys | Web Resources | Site Map | Verdicts and Settlements Disclaimer: It should be noted that use of this web-site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the law firm of Bauer & Baebler, P.C. or any attorneys associated with the firm. Copyright © 2007 by Bauer & Baebler. All rights reserved. You may reproduce materials available at this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement.