For a Montana railroad worker who suffers an injury on the job, financial hardship is a real possibility. To prevent a bad situation from becoming worse, certain steps should be followed after railroad worker injuries to secure compensation. Whether the worker suffers catastrophic injuries leading to permanent disability or less severe issues causing a few days of missed work, a successful claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) can recover the costs of any medical care and lost wages.
Documentation is critical to compensation claims for railroad worker injuries. It’s important to note that the injury report can form the basis of the later claim. The usefulness of the report will rely on its thoroughness, so the accident victim is encouraged to write down all possible contributing factors along with a description of all injuries. Independent medical evaluation by the victim’s doctor after the initial treatment can also be used to validate claims.
Proof of injury establishes the basis; however, proof of damages is needed to ensure sufficient compensation to prevent hardship. This will include the keeping receipts for all medical services and possibly the projected costs of long-term care in the case of catastrophic injuries. Workers will also need to document days missed to ensure the return of lost wages.
After a railroad accident in Montana, the worker may not be in the best position to properly document their injuries and damages. It is often unwise to rely on supervisors and union representatives to faithfully take on these responsibilities. An attorney with experience pursuing personal injury claims under FELA may be able to serve as an advocate for the accident victim.