Massachusetts FELA Lawyers
The first railroad built in Massachusetts was laid in 1826, connecting Quincy to the Neponset River. It was built for the same reason early railroads in England were constructed: to haul minerals. Horses pulled wagons along the rails, and before long, trains were carrying all kinds of freight and passengers as an era of feverish railroad building took hold in Massachusetts as well as across the country.
Railroad Accidents Led to FELA
Accidents were common, increasing exponentially as more lines were built. In 1908 the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) was passed to provide protection for injured railroad workers. In that single year 281,645 railway employees were hurt and 12,000 died doing their jobs.
As the number of injuries and deaths continued to increase, the outcry for legislation to protect the railroad workers grew. The work was demanding, heavy, and dangerous. Long hours and massive machinery led to many accidents, both in building and operating the railroads. Prodded by President Theodore Roosevelt, public demand and pressure from the growing labor unions, FELA was passed into law by a Congress.
FELA ruled that employees of interstate railroads who worked in interstate commerce be reimbursed for being injured during the course of their work. If the employee died while working, their family was entitled to compensation.
Railroad Workers are at Risk of Serious Injuries
The kinds of injuries that are common among railroad workers and that may be compensated include (but are not limited to):
- Broken bones
- Injuries to the head, neck and spine
- Burns
- Disfigurement
- Dismemberment
- Damage to the joints
- Electrocutions
- Brain damage
- Pain and suffering
Loss of wages, present and in the future are also a reason for compensation. Payment for medical bills, hospitalization, and medication may also be covered.
The kinds of accidents leading to these injuries commonly are not only collisions and derailments, but also crushing accidents, exposure to toxic substances, and accidents at railroad crossings where a car and train collide.
If you or someone you know has been injured while doing their job as a railroad worker, it is important to seek counsel as quickly as possible. You should also be advised by a lawyer experienced in the specialized area of FELA law to recover the highest awards that you deserve. Our Massachusetts FELA lawyers would be happy to discuss your particular case with you. You may reach us by calling (800) 773-6770 or contact a railroad injury attorney and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
