Railroads Law and Legal Definition
Railroad law encompasses all matters that relate to Railroad services. These cases typically involve personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits by passengers, non-passengers, as well as employees. Workers' compensation is another prevalent issue when railroad workers are injured on the job. Railroads are common carriers, and have all the rights, duties and liabilities of a common carrier. Railroads are also subject to public regulation as public highways.
The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) serves as the exclusive remedy in an action brought by a railroad employee against his employer. FELA imposes on railroads the duty to exercise reasonable care to provide each and every railroad employee a safe place to work.
Under FELA, a railroad employee may recover the following damages for their injuries occurring on the job:
- Lost earnings, past and future
- Medical expenses if paid out of pocket by the injured employee
- Payment for the employee's reduced ability to earn a wage because of the injuries suffered
- Compensation for pain and suffering
