Workers’ compensation and FELA are two important laws that protect employees from suffering financial loss due to workplace injuries. Depending on the type of job, the worker may be eligible for one or both types of benefits, but it is important to understand the differences between them.
Definition of Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation is a system of benefits for employees who have been injured or become ill as a result of their job. This system provides medical care and other benefits to those who have suffered an occupational injury or illness, helping them maintain financial stability while they are recovering from their work-related incident.
Workers’ compensation is regulated by state law, so the details of the program may vary depending on where you live. Generally speaking, workers’ comp covers medical expenses related to the injury or illness and also offers wage replacement if needed. It can also provide death benefits if an employee dies due to an occupational accident or illness. Employees typically do not need to prove fault in order to receive workers’ comp benefits; however, there are some exceptions depending on the circumstances.
Definition of FELA
FELA, or the Federal Employers Liability Act, is a piece of legislation passed in 1908 to help protect railroad workers across the United States. The law was created in response to the high number of injuries and fatalities suffered by railroad employees due to unsafe working conditions. FELA grants injured workers rights that specifically address how they’re compensated for their injury or illness. To receive benefits under FELA, the injured railroad worker must prove that the injury was caused in whole or in part by the negligence of a railroad employee, its agent or contractor, or from a faulty piece of equipment.
Similarities Between the Two
Workers’ compensation and FELA are two distinct legal claims that have some similarities. Both Workers’ Compensation and FELA were created to protect workers injured on the job, however, each has its own unique aspects in how they seek to provide relief for the injured employee.
At its core, both forms of relief share a few commonalities. Both are designed to provide financial compensation to an employee who was injured while performing work-related activities or tasks. Additionally, in order for either claim to be valid there must have been an injury that occurred due to negligence on behalf of an employer or third parties such as a manufacturer or supplier.
Differences Between the Two
Workers’ compensation and FELA are two different laws that provide employees with certain rights. Despite being similar in many ways, there are some key differences between the two. It is important to understand the distinctions in order to determine which law applies in any situation.
Workers’ compensation is a system of benefits created to provide employees with monetary awards if they experience an illness or injury while on the job. The award is designed to help cover medical bills and lost wages due to temporary or permanent disability caused by an on-the-job accident. On the other hand, FELA stands for Federal Employer’s Liability Act and provides railroad workers with legal protection against employer negligence that causes injuries or death. In this case, workers can be compensated for pain, suffering, loss of wages and additional expenses incurred as a result of their injury or death.
Making Sure Injured Workers Get the Compensation They Deserve after a Work Accident
If you have been injured on the job in Illinois, do not rely on what your employer tells you about your options. Our experienced trial lawyers can make sure you receive the full compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, please contact us at 800-624-4571 or by e-mail. We are experienced Workers’ Compensation and FELA attorneys in St. Clair County.
