West Virginia FELA Lawyers
Many rail companies are based in West Virginia. West Virginia is home of several freight carriers including:
- CSX Transportation
- Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad
- Elk River Railroad
- Norfolk Southern Railway
- South Branch Valley Railroad
- Winchester and Western Railroad
The state is also home to several passenger carriers including:
- Amtrak
- Cass Scenic Railroad
- MARC
- Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
- South Branch Valley Railroad
Common Injuries for Rail Workers
Common injuries incurred include sprains, strains and broken bones. However, serious injuries to the spine and head can occur. These injuries require more than basic medical care — they may require years of physical therapy, pain medication and may even make it difficult to go back to work.
Additionally, rail employees may be exposed to dangerous chemicals on the job. This exposure can catch up to employer later in life when symptoms begin to appear. As a result, the victim may endure thousands upon thousands of dollars of medical bills for procedures and treatments to restore mobility to the affected area.
Laws to Protect Injured Workers
Though workers’ compensation covers workers injured on the job, sometimes this insurance doesn’t cover all workers for whatever reason. This can be devastating when a worker is seriously injured to the negligence of another employee or due to unsafe working conditions.
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) was passed in the early 1900s to help employees injured in a rail accident seeks compensation from their employers to cover their medical bills and other financial losses incurred, where regular workers’ compensation does not apply. FELA gives employees the standing they need in order to pursue legal channels to get compensation for their injuries.
Seek Help From a Qualified FELA Attorney in West Virginia
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rail accident, contact an experienced attorney in West Virginia for a free consultation to discuss your case. An experienced lawyer will have the expertise to assess the viability of your case. If you do have a case, you may be able to pursue litigation against your employer alone or with other employees.
