California FELA Attorneys
If you are a railroad worker and have been injured on the job, your rights to compensation are governed by the Federal Employers' Liability Act, also known as FELA. FELA can be complex and confusing. Don't try to navigate the FELA claims process without an experienced lawyer.
At the offices of Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., we handle FELA injury claims throughout California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, San Jose, Modesto, and Needles. For 51 years, we have successfully handled FELA claims for individuals who have suffered all types of railroad injuries, including head, back, neck, knee and shoulder injuries. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. also represents FELA claimants for repetitive or cumulative trauma claims. For an in-depth discussion of the different types of cumulative claims please visit:
The U.S. Congress enacted FELA in recognition of the dangers inherent with employment in the railroad industry. FELA establishes the legal authority for railroad workers to recover compensation for injuries suffered due to the negligence (in whole or in part) of a railroad carrier, its agents, servants or employees. Under FELA, if you have been injured on the job as a railroad worker, you can file suit to recover damages in state or federal court.
FELA also makes it easier to show liability, reducing the burden of proof in ordinary negligence situations, and waiving the need to prove negligence where the railroad violated a safety statute or regulation.
At Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., we will advise you on all matters related to a FELA claim, including railroad retirement benefits and disability benefits. We have a comprehensive understanding of the FELA claims process and can advise you regarding what you can expect to recover for damages.
Our attorneys take only a small number of cases, because we want you to receive our full attention. Your claim will always be handled by an attorney. You will have our personal cell phone number, so that you can call us any time you need to talk.
Though railroad jobs have been made safer by the protections provided by FELA, the railroad industry remains a dangerous place to work. If you have had an accident working on a train and want experienced legal counsel to help you get full and fair compensation for your injury, contact Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., for a free initial consultation.
51 years of Combined Experience Representing Injured Railroad Workers
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, San Jose, Modesto, and Needles, CA
Designated Legal Counsel (DLC) and non-DLC FELA Lawyers Practice the Same FELA Law
In most instances, the injured railworker is a member of a union. Unions such as the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way (BMWE), the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE), both of which are under the Brotherhood of International Teamsters (BIT), have large numbers of workers in the rail industry. Other Unions include:
- American Train Dispatchers Department Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers ATDA
- Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen BRS
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers IBB
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers IBEW
- National Conference of Firemen and Oilers of SEIU IBF&O
- Sheet Metal Workers' International Association SMWIA
- Transportation Communication Union-Clerks TCU-BRAC
- Transportation Communication Union-Carman TCU-BRC
- United Transportation Union UTU
Whatever your Union, more than likely they will have a designated union counsel. These DLC firms practice FELA law. There are many other law firms that do not have Union designation and they also practice FELA law. In every instance when you are injured, a claims agent will try to immediately take a statement from you. You should definitely speak to a FELA Lawyer, DLC or Non-DLC, before you give a statement to a claims agent. As to choosing a DLC or a non-DLC, you should choose the lawyer that you feel comfortable with and you should not be "pushed" to hire any lawyer. A FELA Lawyer can help you pursue a claim for railroad workers' compensation, i.e., FELA, if you have been injured.
