What Damages Can You Recover in a FELA Lawsuit?

May 7, 2026 | Blog, Railroad Train Injuries, Railroad Worker Train Injuries

Home » What Damages Can You Recover in a FELA Lawsuit?

If you’ve been injured while working on the railroad, you may be entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, a FELA lawsuit allows injured railroad workers to recover a broader range of damages—often resulting in significantly higher compensation.

Working with an experienced FELA lawyer is critical to ensuring you recover the full value of your claim.

What Is a FELA Lawsuit?

A FELA lawsuit is a legal claim filed by railroad workers who are injured on the job due to employer negligence. To recover damages, you must prove that the railroad’s negligence played a role in your injury—even if only partially.

Because FELA is based on fault, the types of damages available go far beyond what you might receive in a standard workplace injury claim.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

1. Medical Expenses

You may recover compensation for all injury-related medical costs, including:

Emergency treatment
Hospital stays
Surgeries
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Prescription medications
Future medical care

Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA allows you to pursue full reimbursement for both current and future medical expenses.

. Lost Wages and Future Earnings

If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover:

Lost wages during recovery
Reduced earning capacity
Loss of future income if you cannot return to the same job

$Loss\text{Lost Earnings} = \text{Past Wages} + \text{Future Earning Capacity Loss}$

This is often one of the largest components of a FELA claim, especially for serious or long-term injuries.

3. Pain and Suffering

FELA allows recovery for non-economic damages, including:

Physical pain
Emotional distress
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life

These damages recognize the real impact an injury has on your daily life—not just your finances.

4. Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

If your injury results in lasting effects, you may be compensated for:

Permanent physical limitations
Disability affecting your ability to work
Scarring or disfigurement

These damages are especially important in cases involving severe injuries.

5. Loss of Benefits

In addition to wages, you may recover the value of lost employment benefits such as:

Retirement contributions
Health insurance
Pension benefits

These losses can add up significantly over time.

6. Wrongful Death Damages

If a railroad worker is killed due to negligence, surviving family members may pursue compensation for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship

A FELA lawsuit allows families to seek justice and financial stability after a tragic loss.

How FELA Damages Differ from Workers’ Compensation

One of the biggest advantages of FELA is the ability to recover full damages, including pain and suffering—something not typically available under workers’ compensation.

Additionally, FELA cases are not limited by strict benefit schedules. Instead, compensation is based on the actual impact of your injury.

What Can Affect the Value of Your FELA Claim?

Several factors influence how much you can recover, including:

Severity of your injury
Length of recovery time
Ability to return to work
Level of employer negligence
Quality of evidence supporting your claim

Because FELA follows a comparative negligence standard, your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault—but you can still recover damages.

Why You Need an Experienced FELA Lawyer

FELA cases are complex and often aggressively defended by railroad companies. Having a knowledgeable FELA lawyer ensures:

Proper investigation of your injury
Accurate calculation of damages
Strong negotiation or trial representation

An experienced attorney can help you pursue the full compensation you deserve—not just what the railroad offers.

Protect Your Rights After a Railroad Injury

If you’ve been hurt at work, don’t assume your employer will take care of everything. A FELA lawsuit gives you the opportunity to recover compensation for the full impact of your injury—physically, financially, and emotionally.

The team at Kujawski & Associates understands the challenges injured railroad workers face and is committed to helping you protect your rights.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been injured while working on the railroad, speak with an experienced FELA lawyer as soon as possible. Early action can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Contact Kujawski & Associates today to discuss your options and start building your claim.