As a railroad employee, the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) gives you more rights and more protection than any other working person in the United States, but unless you know these rights and exercise them, they might as well not even exist.

What to Do If You Are Injured at Work

Your rights are best protected if you first consult with your Union leadership or us as quickly as possible following a work-related injury. Here is a helpful guide to refer to when an injury happens:

Injury Checklist - DO

  • Contact your Union Designated Counsel as soon as possible following an injury
  • Fill out the injury report noting all unsafe conditions contributing to the injury
  • Tell fellow workers what happened and take photos of the scene, if possible
  • See your own doctor for treatment
  • Report the injury to your Union
  • Keep records of important information like:
    • lost wages
    • all expenses relating to the injury
    • date, time and place of the incident
    • names and addresses of all witnesses
    • identification of any defective or improper equipment or conditions
    • violations of any rules or procedures

Injury Checklist - DON'T

  • Don't give a statement to the railroad's claims department before seeking legal advice
  • Don't sign a medical authorization, release or any other paper before seeking legal advice