Montana FELA Attorneys
Billings • Bozeman • Butte - Silver Bow
- Are you a railroad worker?
- Have you been injured on the job?
An experienced attorney can help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries. The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) is the law that protects injured railroad workers. If you have been injured, working with a lawyer who understands the FELA claims process can increase your chances of settlement.
The lawyers of Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. have more than 51 years of experience helping people just like you — railroad workers in Montana — seek maximum compensation through FELA claims. To discuss your case in a free consultation, call us at 800-773-6770 or contact us online.
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:
When congressed passed FELA, they were well aware of the dangers railroad workers faced every day on the job. Congress addressed the problem of railroad worker injury claims by allowing them to file FELA claims for damages in either state or federal court. Through FELA, injured workers could now seek compensation for injuries sustained on the job that were caused wholly or in part by employer negligence.
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.
BNSF Railway, Whitefish Yard contamination
Currently BNSF Railway is involved in a contamination dispute in the Whitefish Yard. Apparently it was secretly buying houses and property because it knew about the contamination. When confronted by locals, it denied that the land they were purchasing was contaminated. These landowners would not be covered under FELA but the BNSF employees that worked in the Whitefish Yard might be.
At Gordon & Elias, L.L.P., we understand every aspect of FELA claims. From explaining the FELA claims process, to explaining disability benefits and railroad retirement benefits. Because of our extensive experience, we know what you can expect to recover for damages
In addition to the information we will give you, we will also provide you with personalized service. Your case will not be handed off to a paralegal or associate. You will work directly with one of our experienced attorneys.
Although the railroad industry has become a safer industry to work in, there are still many dangers and risks that threaten the safety of railroad workers. If you have been injured in an on-the-job railroad accident, call 800-773-6770 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation about how we handle FELA claims.
51 years of Combined Experience Representing Injured Railroad Workers
Helena • Kalispell • Missoula
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.
