Are Railroad Workers Covered for Emotional Stress Under FELA?

When most people think of injuries covered under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), physical harm like broken bones or back injuries comes to mind. But for many railroad workers, emotional stress and psychological trauma can be just as real—and just as devastating. Under certain circumstances, FELA may provide legal protection for these types of injuries. 

Attorney Ira M. Maurer is a nationally recognized personal injury trial lawyer who has secured over $100 million for his clients during his 40-year career. As a founding member of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys, he brings deep knowledge and proven results to complex FELA claims involving physical and emotional injuries.

Emotional Injuries Are Real—and Recognized

FELA allows railroad workers to pursue compensation when their employer’s negligence leads to an injury. This can include emotional or psychological injuries, but these types of claims are often more complex. Courts generally require that the emotional distress be linked to a specific incident or set of conditions caused by the employer’s negligence.

Some examples of when emotional stress might be covered under FELA include:

• Witnessing a traumatic accident on the job
• Being involved in a near-death experience or collision
• Repeated exposure to unsafe or hostile working conditions
• Experiencing long-term harassment or intimidation by supervisors or coworkers

What Makes These Claims Difficult

Unlike physical injuries, emotional distress can be harder to prove. There are no X-rays or MRIs that clearly show anxiety, PTSD, or depression. That means successful FELA claims involving emotional stress typically require:

• Medical documentation from licensed professionals
• Consistent treatment records
• Testimony from mental health experts
• A clear connection between the workplace event and the emotional harm

Railroad companies often challenge these claims, so it’s important to work with a legal team familiar with how to gather strong evidence and build a compelling case.

Legal Support for Railroad Workers

At Maurer Law Firm PLLC, we understand the unique pressures of railroad work and the challenges of filing a FELA claim for emotional injuries.

Our team helps injured workers evaluate their legal options and take action to recover the compensation they deserve. We are familiar with the kinds of mental health struggles railroad workers may face, from anxiety and depression to post-traumatic stress, and we know what it takes to prove these injuries in a legal setting.

Whether the emotional harm stems from a traumatic accident or persistent workplace harassment, our legal team can help you determine if your situation qualifies for a FELA claim.

Protecting the Rights of Railroad Workers in Fishkill, NY

If you’re a railroad worker in Fishkill or the surrounding areas and emotional stress has affected your life after a workplace incident, you may have legal options under FELA. 

The team at Maurer Law Firm is here to guide you through every step of the process, from evaluating your case to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 845-896-5295 to schedule a free consultation.