If you're injured while working on the railroad you should always talk to a lawyer. Not just any lawyer, but a union designated lawyer who has been evaluated and selected by your union. The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) requires that you know certain things and that you act on them with great precaution. Before we go any further, everyone should pick a designated lawyer with whom they feel comfortable and you should have that information available at all times. You should also have a clear understanding between you and your significant other so they also know who to call if for some reason you can't.

If you're injured on the job call your local chairperson and get them up to speed on exactly what's going on. Next, call the disignated legal counsel of your choice and get their immediate advice. Don't wait until after you have filled out the accident report or given a statement, get on your cell phone and call immediately. We are here and available twenty-four hours a day every day of the week. It cost you nothing for advice and you are not obligated in any way.

There is a mindset out in the trinches that one should wait and give the claim agent a chance before talking to a lawyer. Have you heard it said that if you can get three times your lost wages you should take it? That is sometimes true, but not always. If your lawyer is worth their weight in lead, they would never pursue you as a client if they felt you could do just as well on your own. The reason you call a lawyer is to make sure your saying the right things, doing the right things, and ultimately protecting your future claim regardless of how big or small it may be.

If your injured or sick, and if you have earned enough in the previous fisical year the Railroad Retirement Board pays sick benefits, in the amount of $1,140.00 per month for 26 weeks. Everyone should figure out what their monthly obligations are and if $1,140.00 per month is not enough to cover them, then you should consider getting a disabliltiy policy from the UTUIA, or another company. It will be the best investment you ever made if you get sick or injured and are unable to work. Click here for more information UTUIA

There are certain types of repetitive motion injuries caused by a whole host of exposures. Everyone from clerks to signal maintainers, from conductors and engineers to track repair employees, can suffer from carpal tunnel or other repetitive motion injuries. There are some important issues to remember if you believe you're suffering form a repetitive motion injury. First of all, it is important to understand your rights from a legal standpoint; just like most FELA claims, repetitive motion claims do have statutes. In most cases your statute begins to run when you become aware of the problem. If you're aware you have a repetitive motion injury that may be caused by your job you should seek legal advice, and possible intervention. This should be done before three years from the date of discovery has past. Even if you may have only seen your doctor for complaints of pain in a joint, it may be enough to start your statute running.

It is very important to tell your doctor what you do in great detail, do not assume he or she knows just because they are your family doctor. Medical history is one of the most important parts of any FELA claim. The doctors will depend on you to tell them how you believe you were hurt and what your complaints are. This will begin your medical history and will play a major role in any future claim you may have to file as a result of your complaints. We will be glad to send you a booklet explaining the basics of dealing with doctors and a host of other helpful information. Simply call our toll-free number and leave your address and the booklet will be sent out immediately.

CALL US FOR FREE COMPREHENSIVE ADVICE WITHOUT OBLIGATION.

1-800-816-7245 or 1-800-875-2123 You can reach us by email at: raildude2000@sbcglobal.net

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This page was last updated by Tim Latimer on: August 7, 2008