If you’ve been injured while working for a railroad, picking the right lawyer is important. Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), you can get more than the typical workers’ compensation benefits. But the challenging path is navigating the process—so while you need a lawyer, picking anyone for the sake won’t help- you need the right one. And that begs the question- what makes such a lawyer?
Talking of qualities, at the core, you’re looking for a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of FELA, has the resources, and is ready to fight for you. That takes a range of qualities. To make it easier, we’re breaking down the seven qualities that set the best FELA lawyers apart.
If you’re injured or looking to help someone with a railroad injury, this guide will help you understand what you need to know to make a great choice.
1. Expertise in FELA Law
You need an expert FELA lawyer to help with your claim, someone who understands FELA law like the back of their hand. They know exactly how to investigate the case to win and take care of everything from digging into the details to uncovering things that could make all the difference. And, when your case goes to court, you need a lawyer who can present it in a way that shows just how serious your injury and your case are.
Besides, how much compensation you get, fair or not, falls squarely on the choice of lawyer you pick. You need someone who can convince the judge and the insurer, a lawyer who will get you suitable compensation for your damages.
2. Strong Track Record of Success
Results matter. One of the first things you should learn about the potential lawyer is their history. Have they secured the best results for their clients, be it a verdict or compensation? You need a FELA lawyer with a proven track record.
Legal knowledge is handy, but it doesn’t always cut it. Sometimes, you need specialized FELA knowledge. You don’t want to trust your future to just anyone—hire a lawyer with a history of success in FELA cases. Look at their past cases around railroad injuries where the clients were involved in train accidents leading to injuries, repetitive stress injuries, or exposure to harmful substances.
3. Resources and Network
A good FELA lawyer doesn’t work alone. Apart from working with a team of lawyers, they collaborate with experts in other fields, like doctors and accident reconstruction, who can give valuable insights to strengthen your case. In complex cases like Repetitive Stress, your lawyer needs to team up with a medical specialist to prove the outcomes of long-term exposure to stress that arises out of poor working conditions.
Here’s the thing: You are more likely to win the case if you are connected to somebody who knows the key players. It also saves time since they can tap into a well-established network of professionals— they have spent years building up.
4. Client-Focused Approach
You want a lawyer who treats your case like it’s their own. That means everything from the injury’s impact on your life to the solutions you seek. You’ll notice how client-focused they are by their attention to detail. Do they ask good questions that help them understand the case, and how do they explain things to you? The right lawyer should develop a tailored strategy for your case rather than using the same tactics or argument lines, no matter how different clients’ needs are.
5. Excellent Communication Skills
Whether it’s presenting a case in court, negotiating with the insurer’s lawyers, or keeping you updated, excellent communication skills are necessary. The ideal FELA lawyer should be able to articulate issues clearly to convince the judge or jury.
Choose a lawyer who is easy to get hold of and keeps in touch with you to ensure your decisions are not left out where they matter. Imagine this: An insurer makes a compensation offer, but your lawyer doesn’t think it’s necessary to inform you because the offer is too small. Even though the offer might not meet your expectations, you deserve to be updated with every detail of your case.
During negotiations, don’t forget that seasoned lawyers are across the table. So, if your lawyer is not persuasive enough, how can they stand their ground, counter the offer, and get you a fair settlement? You’ll end up with standard compensation at best- leaving money on the table.
6. Fair and Transparent Fee Structure
You don’t want any surprises regarding legal fees, especially when dealing with the financial strain of an injury. Most lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning no money comes from your pocket. They get paid compensation if you win. But the last thing you want is to deal with unexpected fees or find out later that there’s a hidden clause in the agreement that gives them more money than you expected. The payment terms should be clear, and the lawyer should be transparent about the payment structure upfront.
7. Supportive and Compassionate
This isn’t just about legal skills—it’s about being there for you when you need it most. A compassionate lawyer will take the time to understand what you’re going through, from the pain to the stress it comes with, and offer support or link you with professionals.
Look beyond just the representation. Even if you win the case, at what cost—certainly not at the expense of your mental well-being. When choosing a lawyer, find someone who truly cares about your overall well-being, not just the case outcome which benefits them.
Conclusion
The aftermath of a railroad-related injury can take a toll on you. Fighting a legal battle alone isn’t a wise decision; you need someone who understands the field better. But that’s not to mean you get yourself just someone with a law degree- you need a seasoned FELA lawyer to entrust your case. With this guide, now that you know all the essential qualities to consider, pick one fully equipped and ready to hand you victory and a well-deserved compensation package. Don’t settle for less than the best when there are many highly qualified FELA lawyers.
