Federal Employer Liability Act (FELA) Pre-Settlement Funding

If you have a pending FELA claim and need immediate financial assistance, pre-settlement funding can help.

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Train accidents can lead to serious injuries that may have long-term consequences for your health and ability to work. Whether it is a collision, derailment, or another type of railway incident, the injuries sustained from such events can be severe and life-altering.

If you are a railroad worker who was injured on the job, you may be eligible for compensation under the Federal Employer Liability Act (FELA). However, lawsuits can take a long time to settle, leaving you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. That is where pre-settlement funding can help.

Funding for injured railroad workers cases can be essential during the lengthy legal process, allowing you to stay afloat financially without the pressure of waiting for the case to conclude.

Think of this as a cash advance on your future settlement rather than a traditional loan. You only repay it if you win your case. If you lose your case, you owe us nothing.

Common Causes of Train and Railroad Worker Accidents

Common Causes of Train and Railroad Worker Accidents 

Railroad work is often dangerous.  Accidents frequently leading to FELA claims include: 

  • Derailments
  • Equipment malfunctions or brake failures
  • Exposure to hazardous materials
  •  Falls from heights or moving equipment
  • Human error or negligence by supervisors
  • Unsafe working conditions
  • Inadequate safety protocols 

These types of incidents highlight the high-risk nature of railroad employment and underscore the importance of FELA in providing legal recourse. 

Overview of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) 

FELA is a federal law enacted by Congress in 1908, and it “governs the right of railroad employees injured, sickened, or killed in the course of their employment through an employer’s negligence to sue the employer for damages.” While it shares many similarities with workers’ compensation coverage in other industries, FELA is a federal law, whereas workers’ compensation varies by state.   

In addition, workers’ compensation operates on a no-fault basis. FELA requires the injured worker to prove that the railroad was negligent and that this negligence contributed to their injury. It also allows for significantly broader compensation. While both systems may cover medical expenses, workers’ compensation typically provides only partial wage replacement and is subject to state-imposed limits, with no compensation for pain and suffering. 

Under FELA, workers can recover damages for: 

  • Medical expenses, current and future 
  • Lost wages  
  • Loss of future earnings 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 

 

By allowing injured railroad workers to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, FELA provides a critical legal avenue to hold negligent employers accountable and ensure workers receive the full measure of justice they deserve.   

 

Apply for Pre-Settlement Funding Today

Types of FELA Cases Eligible for Pre-Settlement Funding 

Claim types eligible for FELA pre-settlement funding include but are not limited to:   

  • Amputations 
  • Burns 
  • Crush injuries  
  • Exposure to toxic substances, such as asbestos or diesel exhaust  
  • Slip-and-fall or equipment-related injuries  
  • Traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries 

If the worker succumbs to their injuries, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim.  

Do You Qualify for FELA Lawsuit Pre-Settlement Funding?

A group of railway workers working on a railroad track at night

To qualify for FELA lawsuit pre-settlement funding, you must have an ongoing FELA claim against your employer. This means you must be actively pursuing a legal case related to injuries you suffered while working as a railroad employee.

We require you to have obtained legal representation before you apply. Be sure you have a lawyer who specializes in FELA cases and who will work to get you the best possible outcome.

How Long Do FELA Lawsuits Take to Settle?

A FELA lawsuit may take 12 to 24 months to resolve, and some cases extend beyond that timeline. These lawsuits are often complex and time-consuming due to several factors, including:

Need for expert testimony: Testimony from medical professionals, mechanical engineers, and economic experts is often required. These experts explain the severity and long-term impact of the injuries, how the accident occurred and whether safety procedures were followed, and the financial toll the injury has taken on the worker and their earning capacity.

Railroad companies’ aggressive legal defense: Railroad employers often engage seasoned defense attorneys to minimize or deny liability. They may challenge the circumstances of the accident, dispute the extent of the injuries, or argue that the worker’s own actions contributed to the incident. This adversarial approach can significantly extend the duration of a FELA lawsuit.

Complex investigations: FELA cases often require extensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Determining fault may involve multiple parties, detailed accident reconstruction, and thorough examination of safety practices, which can lead to prolonged disputes over who bears legal responsibility.

During this time, you still have bills to pay, and financial stress can take a terrible toll. FELA pre-settlement funding alleviates that financial worry until your settlement arrives.

Apply for Pre-Settlement Funding Today

 

How to Apply for Pre-Settlement Funding.

Applying for pre-settlement funding with us is simple. You can begin by completing our online application and sharing details about your FELA claim. We then work closely with your attorney to assess the strength of your case.

This process includes reviewing evidence of negligence and liability to understand how your employer’s actions may have contributed to your injury and to evaluate the overall strength of your claim.

Once approved, applicants can expect to receive their funds within 24 to 48 hours, providing timely monetary support during your legal battle. There are no restrictions on how you choose to use the money, which gives you the freedom to address your most pressing financial needs.

At Mustang Funding, we are here to make the pre-settlement funding process as smooth and straightforward as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. 

How Much Pre-Settlement Funding Can You Receive for a FELA Claim? 

Legal funding companies typically limit pre-settlement advances to 10 to 20 percent of the expected settlement value, after deducting legal and other fees. These advances can range from $500 to $250,000. The amount available depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, the clarity of liability, the overall strength of your case, and the estimated value of the final settlement. 

Benefits of Pre-Settlement Funding for Injured Railroad Workers

A railway worker on railroad tracks

Here are some key benefits that make pre-settlement funding a practical choice during your litigation:

No Denial Due to Poor Credit

We do not conduct credit checks or require proof of income, making it easier for you to get the support you need when you are facing financial difficulties. This approach ensures that those who are most in need of financial assistance during their lawsuit can access it, regardless of their current economic situation.

Avoid Settling for Less

Insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly for less than your case is worth. With the financial cushion provided by pre-settlement funding, you can resist these pressures and take the time to pursue a fair settlement that fully reflects your injuries and losses.

No Repayment If You Lose Your Case

Pre-settlement funding is non-recourse, which means you are not personally liable for repayment if you lose your case. If your lawsuit does not result in a settlement, you owe us nothing. We offer simple interest non-recourse advances with one consistent rate for the life of your funding. This way, you know exactly what to expect and can focus on your recovery without the added stress of repayment concerns.

Get the Funding You Need for FELA Lawsuits Today

We provide injured railroad employees pre-settlement lawsuit funding, offering a flexible, risk-free way to obtain immediate financial relief while your lawsuit is pending. Our application process is free, with no hidden fees or charges.

Contact us today to learn more about how pre-settlement funding can help you during this challenging time, or you can apply by filling out the form below.

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