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How Long Do FELA Lawsuits Take to Process? FELA lawsuits are a common occurrence for more than a hundred years, have kept railroad workers safe in some of the most dangerous places of work. fela settlements or trial awards may provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, suffering and pain. Contrary to cases involving workers' compensation, FELA allows recovery of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This is the reason FELA cases usually result in substantial jury verdicts. How long will a FELA lawsuit take? There are a variety of factors that influence how long it takes to resolve an FELA claim. The length of time to reach a settlement will depend on a variety of factors depending on whether the case was filed in a federal court or a state court, the length of time that passed between the date of injury and filing of the lawsuit and other details specific to the particular case. Your attorney can help you estimate the amount of time it will take for your FELA claim to be processed. The speed at which you collect medical evidence to support your claim for injury could affect the duration of the FELA lawsuit. This could be a crucial factor in your case, as it can help you get the maximum amount of compensation. In certain situations in the event that you fail to receive medical evidence in a timely manner your claim could be barred by the statute of limitations. The final factor that can affect the length of a FELA lawsuit is the speed at which your employer and you can reach a fair deal. In some instances your lawyer might be in a position to settle your FELA claim without going to trial. This can be accomplished through alternative dispute resolution options like mediation or negotiated settlements, arbitration or mandatory settlement conferences. Some workers might be worried that filing a FELA claim could negatively impact their relationship with their employer. But, it is crucial to be aware that FELA laws prohibit employers from taking retaliatory action against employees who submit an FELA claim. FELA claims also bypass the limitations on benefits imposed by workers' compensation laws which allow railroad workers who are injured to receive compensation for their suffering and pain. To file a FELA lawsuit, your attorney must prepare the complaint. This document outlines the claims you have against your employer. After your lawyer file the complaint, the employer will be given the chance to respond and explain any defenses. This could be a lengthy procedure as your lawyers must conduct thorough investigations into workplace safety practices, and gather evidence to support your assertions. What happens if I do not receive a settlement proposal? In FELA cases railroad workers who are injured can seek compensation for past, future and current medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering. Railroad workers earn more than other blue-collar employees in other industries. Thus, their FELA payouts are more. It is not uncommon to see FELA cases to settle for large sums of money. Contacting an experienced attorney is the first step towards filing an FELA suit. An attorney will examine the details of your accident to determine if you are able to file a claim for damages. If you have a valid claim your lawyer will assist you in filing the necessary documents and conducting thorough investigations into the accident and employer's reaction to your claim. Your attorney will then file an offer of damages to your business after the investigation is concluded. Your employer can then agree to a settlement, or go through the process of trial. Trials can be costly and time-consuming, which is the reason the majority of FELA cases are settled before going to court. During this period you and your lawyer will take medical records and other evidence that highlight the seriousness of your injuries. Your lawyer will also search for witnesses who are willing to testify in your behalf. In addition, you may decide to pursue legal funding that can offer you funds in accordance with the settlement you are planning to receive. Unlike personal loans from credit unions and banks, pre-settlement legal financing does not require a thorough credit check or a review of your financial history. A pre-settlement financing company will review your request and give you a quote detailing the terms and conditions of the loan. The decision to accept the quote could result in you receiving a large sum of money before the case is closed. What happens If I lose my case? You could require medical treatment for a certain amount of time, depending on the degree of your injury. While you wait for a resolution, your lawyer will collect evidence, such as medical records that show the extent of your injury as well as testimony from witnesses that can confirm your claim. If needed your lawyer can help you obtain pre-settlement legal funds to pay for ongoing treatment and living expenses until you receive the final settlement. A lot of FELA cases are settled prior to trial due to the fact that both sides wish to avoid costly and risky court actions. However, appeals can lead to delays in the case at different stages, and sometimes after the verdict has been delivered. In these situations you can always seek out a railroad injury attorney to get additional advice. What happens If I lose my case? Railroad employees who are injured receive a substantial settlement from their employers, since they are entitled to claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and discomfort. Railroad workers also earn more than blue-collar workers and have a higher cost of living. This means they can be compensated more for economic losses. However, it's important to realize that it may take a long time to settle. This is due to the fact that FELA lawsuits usually involve multiple interconnected steps like litigation and discovery. If one of the parties files a appeal, it can also result in long delays. During this time, the attorney can gather evidence like medical records and documents that demonstrate the severity of the injury. They can also search for witnesses to provide testimony on their behalf. If the injured person requires financial assistance in this process, he or she may also seek financing options, like a legal financing loan prior to settlement. A pre-settlement financing company will look at the situation, as as other factors to determine what they are able to provide. This differs from a personal loan, which requires a credit assessment and financial history. For more details on how you can start, contact an experienced FELA claim lawyer today.