Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) Lawyers
A FELA lawyer will evaluate your case following an injury and give you advice on whether to settle the case or go to trial. They have the resources necessary to conduct detailed investigations and collect evidence.
Railroad companies and their insurance companies have a wealth of experience in handling injuries and are usually focused on minimizing the amount of compensation. A FELA lawyer can even the playing field and effectively counter these strategies.
Prepare for trial
Regardless of whether you are seeking a settlement or going to trial, your attorney should walk you through extensive trial preparation. This is vital to your success. Trial preparation includes the collection of evidence that is comprehensive and an knowledge of the Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA).
It is not enough to know the facts. You have to be able to convince a jury or judge that they are likely true. This involves preparing a trial story taking depositions, finding witnesses and requesting their subpoenas. It also means preparing for any legal or evidentiary questions you anticipate and writing jury instructions. It is best to start trial preparations well before your trial date.
During the trial the attorney will give you a comprehensive schedule and list of the items you need to bring, including the outline of witnesses and any exhibits that you plan to use. You should review the list a few times to identify any issues and ensure that all of your trial preparations are completed. You should also go to the courtroom to determine any practical issues, such as the manner in which the courtroom will function and any logistical or technical issues. Keep calm and be professional.
The process of negotiating a settlement
The FELA claim procedure is a bit complicated and lengthy. It involves multiple stages along with important legal considerations. A knowledgeable FELA attorney can help guide injured railroad workers through the process, ensuring they are awarded maximum compensation.
After a thorough case evaluation After a thorough case evaluation, your FELA lawyer will prepare a detailed plan of action to proceed with your claim. This will include a breakdown of the damages that you are entitled to, as well a timeline of the crucial events that need to be completed for your claim to be successful.
Your FELA lawyer will begin collecting evidence as soon as the plan is in place. This will include medical records detailing your injury, as well as testimony from witnesses to the incident. It will also include a full investigation of the circumstances leading to your accident, including identifying any potential negligent actions by the railroad.
Your FELA lawyer will be there to answer your questions and provide you with the support you need. They will ensure you are aware of the legal process and deadlines, as well providing regular updates on your case. fela lawsuit settlements will also make sure that you are aware of any fees or costs related to your claim, and that they are clearly outlined within your agreement.
Many FELA claims are settled outside of court. Your FELA attorney will negotiate with the railroad company or their insurance provider to reach a settlement that is acceptable for your claim. They will make use of the evidence you provide to build an argument that is persuasive and emphasizes the importance and the strength of your claim to encourage the other side to settle.
If your FELA attorney feels that a fair resolution can't be reached by negotiation then they will prepare your case for trial and present it to a judge or jury. If you are unhappy with the outcome of your trial, your FELA lawyer will defend you and try to achieve a more favorable verdict.