No. The Railway Labor Act, along with whistleblower protection laws like the Federal Railroad Safety Act, are designed to protect railroad employees from retaliatory actions, including getting fired.
Debunking the Myths
1. "Hiring a lawyer will automatically get me fired."
This is perhaps the most prevalent misconception. In reality, federal and state laws offer strong protections for employees who engage legal assistance. As already mentioned, the Railway Labor Act and the Federal Railroad Safety Act are designed to protect employees from retaliatory actions, like termination. These laws ensure that you can seek justice and legal counsel without the fear of losing your job.
2. "My employer will always know if I've consulted a lawyer."
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the attorney-client relationship. This means that you can seek advice and discuss your situation with an attorney without the obligation to inform your railroad employer.
Now, there may be circumstances that warrant disclosure of an attorney-client relationship, such as the need to request that the railroad preserve evidence or if you want your lawyer to negotiate a settlement with the railroad without filing a lawsuit. But even when disclosure is necessary, the process is handled with professionalism to protect your interests.
3. "Hiring a railroad lawyer is too expensive and not worth the risk."
A lot of rail workers don't hire an attorney because of potenaisl costs. But it's important to remember that railroad attorneys do not require any payment from you up front. They offer contingency fee arrangements and only get paid if you win the case.
Initial consultations are free and provide you an opportunity to understand your situation better without any financial commitment. So hire a lawyer!
4. "The union shoult handle everything; lawyers just make things complicated."
While unions can be powerful allies, there are instances where legal issues extend beyond their scope. Railroad lawyers can navigate complex legal challenges that might be outside a union’s expertise, especially in cases involving personal injury or specific legal violations.
This is perhaps the most prevalent misconception. In reality, federal and state laws offer strong protections for employees who engage legal assistance. As already mentioned, the Railway Labor Act and the Federal Railroad Safety Act are designed to protect employees from retaliatory actions, like termination. These laws ensure that you can seek justice and legal counsel without the fear of losing your job.
2. "My employer will always know if I've consulted a lawyer."
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the attorney-client relationship. This means that you can seek advice and discuss your situation with an attorney without the obligation to inform your railroad employer.
Now, there may be circumstances that warrant disclosure of an attorney-client relationship, such as the need to request that the railroad preserve evidence or if you want your lawyer to negotiate a settlement with the railroad without filing a lawsuit. But even when disclosure is necessary, the process is handled with professionalism to protect your interests.
3. "Hiring a railroad lawyer is too expensive and not worth the risk."
A lot of rail workers don't hire an attorney because of potenaisl costs. But it's important to remember that railroad attorneys do not require any payment from you up front. They offer contingency fee arrangements and only get paid if you win the case.
Initial consultations are free and provide you an opportunity to understand your situation better without any financial commitment. So hire a lawyer!
4. "The union shoult handle everything; lawyers just make things complicated."
While unions can be powerful allies, there are instances where legal issues extend beyond their scope. Railroad lawyers can navigate complex legal challenges that might be outside a union’s expertise, especially in cases involving personal injury or specific legal violations.
The Significance of Hiring A Lawyer Who Understands Railroad Law
Choosing a railroad attorney who has a deep understanding of FELA and FRSA claims is really important. They're experienced in gathering the necessary evidence for very specific claims, including an understanding of complex rail operations, safety protocols, and employment practices. They can also effectively communicate with medical professionals, safety experts, and former railroad employees to build a compelling case on your behalf.
When you being your search for a railroad attornrey, make sure you consider their experience in handling railroad cases like to yours. Ask about their success rates, strategies they've emplemented in past cases, and their understanding of railroad operations.
When you being your search for a railroad attornrey, make sure you consider their experience in handling railroad cases like to yours. Ask about their success rates, strategies they've emplemented in past cases, and their understanding of railroad operations.
If you're been injured on the railroad, call Wilkes & Mee today. Our railroad attorneys have a proven track record of defending rail employees.