FELA Lawyers

Common Carriers and FELA

The Federal Employers Liability Act, commonly known as the FELA, allows employees of railroad companies to claim large amounts of compensation from their employers for injuries suffered on the job. Established in the early 1900s, FELA provided workers in the dangerous railroad industry some measure of protection against company negligence. However, like any act of law, FELA is subject to several restrictions and eligibility requirements. One of these is the “common carrier” clause.

FELA states that any railroad which is classified as a “common carrier” is liable for any damages suffered by its employees which is due at least in part to the negligence of the railroad. The downside of this provision, of course, is that only railroads which act as common carriers are governed by FELA. The mark of a common carrier railroad is that it offers its service to the public in general, without limitations on who it serves. Common carriers generally operate as transporters of people or goods for payment.

If you have been injured while working for a common carrier railroad, you may be eligible for compensation under FELA. Call a FELA lawyer from the Williams Kherkher law firm at 800-220-9341 to set up a free consultation.