Our FELA lawyers represent railroad employees hurt on the job, helping them get compensation for injuries or illnesses linked to unsafe working conditions.
With 24 years in business, every FELA attorney at our firm knows how to prove railroad negligence claims and is proud to build strong cases for workers injured on the job.
We’ve recovered more than $2 billion in damages through verdicts and settlements, making a lasting difference for clients and their families nationwide.
Railroad work involves hazards that can cause sudden accidents or long-term health problems. The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) gives injured workers the right to seek accountability when unsafe conditions lead to harm.
Falls or yard accidents can cause fractures or head trauma.
Coupling accidents or failed equipment may lead to limb loss.
Electrical hazards, fires, or chemical spills leave lasting scars.
Heavy lifting and vibration damage joints, muscles, and nerves.
Exposure to diesel, asbestos, or toxins tied to cancer and lung disease.
Long-term chemical contact linked to tremors and memory loss.
Engines and machinery noise cause permanent hearing problems.
Severe accidents and unsafe conditions leave emotional scars.
Families may file claims after deaths caused by unsafe practices.
Injured on the railroad? Connect with a FELA lawyer now for a free consultation.
From the first call to the final verdict, our clients share how we stood by them and delivered results when it mattered most.
I could not be happier that I was able to find Alexander Shunnarah’s firm. They provided me with quality service and they communicated with me every step of the way. They are very prompt and professional and they actually specialize in car accidents and personal injury, so that was a relief. Thank you so much for your service and for getting my case handled.
Udo R.
Alexander Shunnarah was very knowledgeable and showed me compassion in my time of need. The information they provided me was accurate and helpful, I would use Alexander Shunnarah again if necessary. Thank you for all your help concerning my case.
Jennifer F.
Outstanding services, quality work and great company to deal with. I walked in and felt like it was a family environment. You can tell every one genuinely cares. Outstanding firm and service definitely a 5 star quality company.
Drew F.
Every trial attorney on our team is trained to fight aggressively for your rights. Here’s how our team will help, starting with your first phone call.
Free Case Review
We’ll review your claim and explain the best legal options available.
claim investigation
Our team gathers evidence and builds a strong case from the start.
expert Negotiation
We deal directly with insurers to secure the maximum recovery possible.
Court Representation
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re ready to fight for you at trial.
No-Win, No-Fee
We guarantee that you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
FELA is different from state workers’ compensation, and many railroad workers are uncertain how a negligence claim is proven or what rights they have under the law. The answers below provide guidance to help workers and families better understand the process.
A worker may qualify if their injury or illness is tied to something the railroad should have prevented. That might be a piece of equipment that broke because it was never repaired. It could also be a situation where safety warnings were raised, but the company looked the other way. In other cases, the problem comes from management practices that force employees into dangerous situations. Our FELA attorneys listen to the worker’s story and review the records, so you can understand your legal options.
Workers’ compensation pays out without asking who was at fault, but those benefits are limited. FELA is different. It requires proof of negligence, which means the worker has to show how the railroad’s actions contributed to the harm. While that adds a step, it also allows workers to recover more. The law makes it possible to seek payment for medical bills and lost wages, but it also allows claims for the ongoing pain and disruption that follow a serious injury or illness.
Negligence can be hard to show without support. Our attorneys build cases by looking at the details surrounding the accident or illness. In some cases, that means reviewing accident reports or maintenance logs. In others, it may involve talking to coworkers who saw what happened or bringing in experts who understand railroad operations. Each piece of information helps build a picture that connects the railroad’s failures to the injury.
Definitely. Many FELA cases involve illnesses that do not appear until years after the exposure began. Railroad workers have faced cancer diagnoses after decades of breathing diesel exhaust. Others have developed severe lung problems from working around asbestos or neurological issues tied to solvents used in the industry. Even if the symptoms surface long after the job ended, FELA can still give workers and their families a way to bring a claim.
Great question. FELA uses a rule called comparative negligence. If the court finds that the worker shares some of the blame, they can still bring a claim. The amount of compensation is adjusted based on how much responsibility is assigned to the worker. This means that being partly at fault does not take away the right to recovery; it only changes the final award.
Start by reporting the accident so there is an official record. Then, get medical care right away, even if the injury seems minor, because some problems take time to show up. Avoid signing papers from the railroad until you understand what they mean, since some forms can limit your rights. Finally, contact a FELA lawyer as soon as possible. Acting quickly helps us protect evidence and ensures you don’t miss the deadline to file.
Railroad safety is drawing fresh attention as workers report injuries and illnesses linked to their jobs. Recent court cases and medical studies are influencing how FELA claims are handled, giving employees and families a clearer view of what’s at stake.