Birmingham FELA Lawyers

Railroad injury attorneys fighting for injured workers across Alabama and Georgia.

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Serious Lawyers. Serious Results.

If you’ve been injured while working for a railroad, the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) may be your path to fair compensation. At Serious Injury Law Group, we specialize in representing railroad workers and their families in FELA claims, providing the experience, knowledge, and tenacity necessary to pursue justice against powerful railroad companies.

What is the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA)?

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act is a federal law that gives railroad workers the right to sue their employer when they are injured on the job due to employer negligence. Enacted by Congress in 1908, FELA was designed to protect railroad employees by providing compensation for injuries where traditional workers’ compensation laws do not apply.

Key aspects of FELA include:

  • Railroad workers are not covered by state workers’ compensation systems.
  • FELA allows employees to bring a lawsuit directly against the railroad.
  • To cover compensation under FELA, you must show that your injury was caused, at least in part, by the railroad’s negligence.
  • Unlike workers’ comp, a FELA lawsuit can result in damages for pain and suffering, lost wages, future earnings, disability, medical costs, and more.

Because FELA claims are fault-based, as opposed to no-fault workers’ compensation, they require deep legal insight and strategic advocacy to successfully prove negligence and maximize your recovery.

Common Injuries and Claims Under FELA

Railroad employment can be dangerous, and FELA covers a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries
  • Repetitive stress and cumulative trauma
  • Occupational exposures to things like asbestos, PFAS, or diesel exhaust
  • Crush injuries, falls, and on-the-job accidents
  • Wrongful death claims for families of deceased workers

Who is Covered Under FELA?

FELA applies to employees of railroads engaged in interstate commerce, which can include:

Coverage includes injuries resulting from single events, repetitive stress over time, occupational exposures (like asbestos or toxic chemicals), and even fatal workplace incidents where family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.

Conductors and engineers

Yard and track maintenance crews

Signal workers and shop personnel

Railroad firefighters and other support staff

Clerical workers performing duties related to railroad operations

Why You Need a FELA Attorney

FELA claims are not straightforward. Railroad companies have powerful legal teams and claims agents whose first priority is to protect the company, not you. From the moment an injury occurs, the railroad begins building its defense by documenting statements and evidence to minimize liability.

At Serious Injury Law Group, our FELA practice focuses exclusively on the rights of injured railroad workers and their families. We bring decades of legal experience and a deep understanding of:

  • Railroad industry standards, safety rules, and federal regulations
  • Complex causation issues, including cumulative trauma and occupational exposure
  • Comparative negligence, where fault is shared between worker and employer
  • Negotiating with aggressive defense counsel and taking cases through trial

From your first free consultation through resolution, we will:

  • Investigate your accident and injuries, preserving evidence that demonstrates negligence
  • Work with medical experts to quantify your damages for present and future needs
  • Counsel you on your legal options and potential recovery outcomes
  • Handle all communications with the railroad and its representatives

Our goal is simple: to level the playing field and secure the compensation you and your family deserve.

Common Questions About the Federal Employers Liability Act

Yes. FELA cases involve federal statutes and complex negligence standards that require specialized legal expertise.

Yes. Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, FELA allows injured workers to seek damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic losses.

FELA uses a comparative negligence standard. This means you can still recover damages even if you share some fault. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

He was very knowledgeable about the law and kept us informed throughout the entire process. He returned our calls and genuinely cared for me and my family during a very difficult time. We were very pleased with the final outcome.

Franklin

I highly recommend this firm. They have great integrity and a commitment to get justice for victims of companies that put profits above safety of their products. They also stand up for the rights of the disabled and the injured from automobile wrecks. Give them a call today and they'll get to work for you today.

Dan

I am sure this firm is based in the utmost integrity. Their clients are treated and protected with respect in and outside of court. I would refer my closest family member to this law firm.

Charlotte

I had a legal question and was very proud of the response I had and am going to use this law firm. Thanks for the quick response.

Barry

Meet Our Team of Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

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Gerald Clark Brooks, Jr.

Managing Partner | Founder | Lawyer

Chuck James, II

Founder | Lawyer

Brandon Marcellus Price-Crum

Partner