Chicago FELA Lawyer

Helping Injured Railroad Workers Recover Compensation Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)

At Chicago Injury Center, our Chicago FELA lawyer team fights to help injured railroad workers secure the compensation they deserve under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).

This powerful federal law was created to protect railroad workers by giving them the right to recover compensation when an employer’s negligence causes an injury. Unlike Illinois workers’ compensation, which provides benefits without proving fault, a FELA claim requires us to prove negligence.

We have decades of experience doing exactly that for clients hurt in Chicago railroad yards, along Metra lines, or while working for Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, or BNSF in Illinois. Contact us for a free consultation today!

FELA Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

• $7,200,000 – The family of Marcus, a Chicago railroad worker, recovered this amount after he was fatally struck by a truck at the BNSF Cicero Yard. Liability centered on unsafe traffic control within the yard.
• $2,800,000 – David, a 56-year-old rail yardman in the Union Pacific Global IV Intermodal Facility, suffered a crushed foot when a co-worker dropped a shipping container. The payout reflected his career-ending injury and permanent mobility loss.
• $1,900,000 – Luis, a Metra trackman, developed severe joint damage from years of repetitive stress work. Medical experts tied the condition to unsafe work practices and inadequate ergonomic measures.
• $1,500,000 – Ray, a CTA train operator, tore his shoulder in a platform fall at the 63rd Street Yard. Settlement factors included surgery costs and months of lost income.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

At Chicago Injury Center, we’re proud to be a top-rated Chicago FELA law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of railroad workers. With 100+ years of combined experience, our team has recovered millions of dollars for clients hurt in the railroad industry in Illinois.

Our railroad injury attorneys have earned recognition from respected organizations, including to Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Super Lawyers.

We’ve successfully represented railroad employees in complex FELA claims, securing results that account for medical bills, lost income, and lifelong care needs. Our proven track record and deep knowledge of federal law make us a trusted choice for railroad workers injured on the job.

Types of FELA Cases We Handle in Chicago

We represent injured railroad workers in a wide range of FELA claims, including:

• Train derailments on Metra lines, Amtrak routes, and freight corridors
• Yard accidents at facilities like Union Pacific Global IV and BNSF Cicero Yard
• Defective equipment injuries from faulty brakes, couplers, or hand tools
• Chemical exposure cases, including asbestos exposure from older railcars
• Slip, trip, and fall accidents on unsafe railroad property
• Repetitive strain and cumulative trauma injuries from years of heavy labor

What Are the Most Common Causes of Chicago Railroad Accidents?

Common causes of accidents in the Chicago railroad industry include:

• Unsafe working conditions and failure to follow safety standards
• Inadequate training or chronic understaffing by the railroad company
• Defective tracks, faulty switches, malfunctioning signal systems, unprotected railroad crossings
• Heavy machinery accidents involving cranes, loaders, or maintenance vehicles
• Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries from strenuous tasks

What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused in Railroad and Train Accidents?

Frequent injuries caused in train accidents and yard incidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from falls or being struck by moving equipment
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis from crush accidents or derailments
• Amputations caused by coupling mishaps or faulty equipment
• Severe crush injuries from being pinned between cars or machinery
• Burns and chemical exposure injuries from fuel leaks or hazardous cargo

What Damages Can Injured Workers Recover Under FELA?

Depending on the case, we help clients recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past, ongoing, and future care needs)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional harm
• Disfigurement, disability, and permanent impairment
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to serious injuries

What Is the Average FELA Payout in Illinois?

Based on data at Law.com, the average payout for a FELA claim is approximately $749,333, with a median award of $330,667. Reported case values in the state range from around $270,000 to $2.5 million.

Factors like the severity of the injury, the amount of lost income, the strength of evidence proving the railroad company’s negligence, and the need for long-term medical treatment all impact what an injured railroad worker may ultimately recover.

Example FELA Cases in Cook County

William, an Amtrak conductor based out of Chicago’s Union Station, slipped on ice inside a locomotive compressor room while preparing for a trip. He sustained multiple hip, back, and leg injuries. Our investigation showed unsafe conditions and poor maintenance. The jury awarded him $2.5 million for disability, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost earnings.

Ed, a Chicago rail yard worker, aggravated a preexisting spinal condition while unloading heavy welding supplies without proper lifting equipment. After months of treatment, he required spinal fusion surgery. The jury found partial fault on Ed, reducing his $742,000 award to $371,000.

Patrick, a Metra conductor, tore his Achilles tendon and suffered knee and wrist injuries when he stepped into a gap between the train and Libertyville station’s platform. The jury found the station’s design unsafe but assigned partial fault to Patrick, resulting in a reduced award of $247,992.

Why You Need a Chicago Railroad Accident Lawyer

FELA claims are very different from standard workers’ compensation claims because injured railroad workers must prove their employer was negligent. Railroads and their insurance carriers often move quickly to minimize payouts, dispute liability, or blame the worker. Our team has decades of experience handling complex railroad litigation in Chicago.

We know how to investigate accidents, gather safety records, and work with industry experts to build a compelling case. With a proven track record of securing maximum compensation, we give our clients the advantage they need to stand up to powerful railroad companies.

How Common Are Railroad Work Injuries?

According to the NSC, railroad workers accounted for 3,494 reported injuries and illnesses in 2024, ranging from sprains and fractures to catastrophic accidents. Tragically, 8 railroad workers lost their lives that year.

Where Do Railroad Worker Injuries Occur Most Often in Chicago?

The most common locations for railroad worker injuries include:

• Union Pacific Global IV Intermodal Facility
• BNSF Cicero Yard
• 63rd Street Yard
• Metra lines and stations

What Laws Govern FELA Claims in Chicago?

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), 45 U.S.C. §§ 51-60, is the primary federal law that allows injured railroad workers to seek damages when a railroad company’s negligence causes harm. Unlike standard workers’ compensation laws in Illinois, FELA requires the worker to prove negligence by the employer, but it also allows for significantly greater recovery for pain, suffering, and future losses.

Case law is also considered. The U.S. Supreme Court in Consolidated Rail Corp. v. Gottshall, 512 U.S. 532 (1994), clarified that railroad employers must provide a reasonably safe workplace and comply with applicable safety regulations. These cases may be filed in either federal court or Illinois state court, depending on the circumstances.

Workers who are not eligible for FELA may still have options under Illinois law, such as premises liability (740 ILCS 130/), product liability statutes (735 ILCS 5/2-21), or the Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) if a motor vehicle is involved.

The Illinois Joint Tortfeasor Contribution Act (740 ILCS 100/) allows for the allocation of fault among multiple negligent parties.

How Long Do I Have to File a FELA Lawsuit in Illinois?

Injured railroad employees have three years from the date of their injury — or from the date they reasonably should have discovered it — to file a FELA claim. This is especially important for those with occupational illnesses or repetitive stress injuries, where symptoms may develop gradually over time.

If an injured worker’s case involves additional claims against third parties in Illinois, the Illinois Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury (735 ILCS 5/13-202) generally gives two years from the date of injury to file. Missing these deadlines can bar your right to recover compensation, so it’s crucial to consult a Chicago railroad accident lawyer promptly after being injured on the job.

Who Is Liable in Railroad Worker Injury Cases?

Commonly, liability may rest with:

• Railroad employer – The primary defendant in most cases.
• Equipment manufacturers – If a defective tool, machine, or vessel part caused or worsened the injury.
• Contractors or maintenance companies – Third-party crews hired for track repair, yard work, or facility maintenance.

Common Defenses in Chicago FELA Cases

To avoid paying full and fair compensation to railroad workers, railroad companies often use aggressive defense strategies, such as:

• Arguing the injured worker contributed to their own injury. Under FELA, you can still recover damages as long as the railroad’s negligence played a role, but your award may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
• Claiming the worker violated safety rules or acted outside normal job duties, shifting the blame away from the railroad company.
• Denying responsibility by suggesting that a contractor or another entity controlled the worksite.

We counter these tactics with strong evidence — including witness statements, safety records, and expert testimony — to prove negligence and protect our clients’ rights.

How to Strengthen Your FELA Claim in Chicago

Taking the right steps immediately after a railroad accident can make the difference between a denied FELA claim and a successful recovery for railroad injuries. Our firm recommends:

• Seek immediate medical treatment
• Report the injury in writing
• Gather witness statements
• Preserve evidence
• Contact a Chicago railroad accident lawyer quickly

How a Chicago Railroad Worker Injury Attorney Can Help

Our team at Chicago Injury Center provides comprehensive support to help injured railroad workers secure fair compensation, including:

• Conducting a complete investigation into the cause of your railroad accident
• Working with medical and vocational experts to calculate lost wages, future care needs, and the impact of serious injuries
• Negotiating with the railroad company and their insurers for maximum compensation
• Preparing your case for trial if settlement offers fall short of your needs

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a FELA attorney?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. Our fee comes only if we win your case and secure compensation for you.

Does FELA cover fatal injuries?

Yes. If an injured railroad employee dies from injuries caused by railroad negligence, their family may bring a FELA claim to recover damages such as medical expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

What if my injury developed over time?

FELA allows claims for occupational illnesses and repetitive stress injuries that develop gradually, such as hearing loss, back strain, or asbestos exposure. The clock for filing typically begins when you first discover, or should have discovered, that your injury is work-related.

Book a Free Consultation

At Chicago Injury Center, our railroad accident lawyer team has the skill, resources, and dedication to guide you through every step of your FELA claim, from investigation to trial. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.