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How Long Do FELA Lawsuits Take to Process?FELA lawsuits are a common occurrence for more than 100 years, have helped keep railroad workers secure in some of the most hazardous places of work. FELA settlements or trial awards may include the payment of medical expenses, lost wages, suffering and pain.Contrary to cases involving workers’ compensation, FELA allows for recovery of non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This is the reason FELA cases typically result in substantial jury verdicts.How long does a FELA case take?There are a myriad of variables that determine how long it takes to resolve an FELA claim. The time required to reach a settlement can be affected by many factors depending on whether the case was filed in a federal or state court, the length of time between the injury and the filing of the lawsuit and other details specific to the case. Your attorney can help you estimate the amount of time it will take to process your FELA claim to be processed.The speed at which you can gather medical evidence to support your claim for injury could affect the length of the FELA lawsuit. This can be a crucial aspect in your case as it can help you receive the maximum amount of compensation you can get. In certain cases in the event that you fail to get medical proof promptly your claim could be denied due to the statute of limitations.The final factor that can determine the duration of the FELA lawsuit is the speed at which your employer and you come to a fair settlement. In some cases, you and your lawyer could be able to settle your FELA case without going to court. This can be done through alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation arbitrage, negotiated agreements or mandatory settlement conferences.Some workers may fear that filing a FELA claim will negatively impact their relationship with their employer. It is nevertheless important to know that FELA laws prohibit employers from punishing employees who file claims. Additionally, FELA claims bypass the limitations on benefits imposed by the laws governing workers’ compensation and permit railroad workers injured by injuries to claim monetary compensation for pain and suffering.Your attorney must draft a complaint before you can start a FELA suit. The complaint outlines your rights against your employer. After your attorney files the complaint, the respondent will be given the chance to respond and explain any defenses. This can be a long process as your attorneys must conduct thorough investigations into workplace safety practices, and gather evidence to support your assertions.What is the outcome if I don’t receive a settlement?FELA cases allow injured railroad workers to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because railroad workers generally earn more than blue-collar workers working in other industries, their FELA payouts tend to be more substantial. Therefore, fela claims is not unusual for an FELA case to settle for substantial amounts of money.Contacting an experienced attorney is the first step in filing an FELA suit. An attorney will evaluate the details of your accident and determine whether you have a valid claim for damages. If you have a valid claim, your lawyer will help you file the appropriate paperwork and conduct thorough investigations into the accident and your employer’s response to your claim.Your attorney will submit an offer of damages to your company after the investigation is completed. Your employer can then accept a settlement or go ahead with a trial. Trials can be costly and time-consuming, which is why the majority of FELA cases settle before they get to court.During this period you and your attorney will collect medical records, as well as other evidence to show the severity of your injury. Your lawyer will also look for witnesses that can testify on your behalf. In addition, you may decide to pursue legal financing, which can provide you with money based on your projected settlement.Legal Funding for Pre-settlement does not require a credit check or a review of your financial history. A pre-settlement financing company will review your application and offer you a quotation highlighting the terms and conditions of the loan. The decision to accept the quote could result in you receiving thousands of dollars before the case is closed.What happens when I lose my case?Depending on the severity of your injury is, you may require medical treatment for a time before a settlement is reached. Your lawyer will gather evidence as you wait for a settlement, including medical records that demonstrate the extent of your injuries, as well as testimony from witnesses to validate your claim. If necessary your lawyer can assist you obtain pre-settlement legal funding to pay for ongoing medical treatment and living expenses while you await the final settlement.Many FELA cases settle prior to trial, since both sides are usually driven by the desire to avoid costly and risky court proceedings. However, appeals can lead to delays in the case at different stages, and sometimes even after the verdict has been handed down. You can always contact an attorney who handles railroad accidents for more details in these situations.What happens if my case is lost?Injured railroad employees receive a substantial settlement from their employers, since they have the right to claim medical expenses, lost wages, and discomfort and pain. In addition, railroad employees earn much more than blue-collar employees, and have higher costs of living which means they are able to be compensated for more substantial economic damages.It’s important to realize that a settlement can take a long time. This is because FELA cases often have several different steps that are interspersed, like litigation and discovery. If one of the parties files a appeal, it can also create long delays.During this time, the attorney will be able to gather evidence such as medical records and documents that demonstrate the severity of an injury. They can also seek out witnesses who will testify on their behalf. If the injured worker requires additional financial support during this process, he or she may also seek financing options, like a legal financing loan prior to settlement.A pre-settlement funder will examine the case, as well other aspects, to determine what they can offer. This differs from a personal loan, which requires a credit review and financial history. For more details on how you can start, contact an experienced FELA claim lawyer today.