Federal Employers Liability Act

The Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA), enacted in 1908, is a law that grants railroad workers the right to seek compensation if they are injured on the job due to employer negligence. Unlike standard workers’ compensation, FELA allows workers to sue their employers if the employer's misconduct or failure to maintain safety caused the injury. It emphasizes employer responsibility for safe working conditions and provides workers with a legal avenue to recover damages for injuries sustained during employment. This law helps ensure that railroad workers are protected and can seek fair compensation when accidents happen because of workplace hazards.