Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) Lawyer
Texas has one of the nation’s busiest railroad networks and one of the highest injury rates for railroad workers. When these injuries occur, workers aren’t covered by traditional workers’ compensation but are entitled to compensation under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, or FELA. The nationally recognized attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm bring decades of trial experience and compassionate representation to help injured railroad workers and their families pursue the compensation and justice they deserve.
Legally Reviewed By: Lawrence P. Wilson
Senior Attorney
- Page Last Updated:
- June 19, 2025
The Lanier Law Firm’s FELA Attorneys: Experience That Gets Results
Our nationally recognized attorneys understand the high stakes involved when a worker is hurt or killed on the job, and we pursue every case with the determination, skill, and resources needed to win.
Decades of Experience and Recognition in Pursuit of Justice
With more than three decades of experience and a proven track record of success, The Lanier Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured workers and their families. Our firm has earned widespread recognition for its relentless pursuit of justice, including Tier 1 rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms, numerous accolades for trial excellence, and an array of successful case results.
Proactive, Trial-Ready Strategy for FELA Clients from Day One
Our team takes aggressive action the moment a FELA client comes through our doors. As attorney Patrice McKinney explains, “From the time we take a case, we immediately start gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, hiring experts—because we know the at-fault party is doing the same thing.” This proactive approach allows our talented FELA attorneys to build strong, trial-ready cases from day one.
Leading FELA Attorney Patrice McKinney
Patrice McKinney is one of The Lanier Law Firm’s most experienced personal injury attorneys, with a practice focused on representing individuals and families affected by serious transportation accidents.
Awards
- AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Texas Super Lawyer – 2017-2024
- Best Lawyers – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2024 – 2025)
Patrice McKinney is a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas. She is also an active participant in the Houston Bar Association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee and other professional legal associations, reflecting her commitment to both legal excellence and community impact.
Who Qualifies for a FELA Lawsuit?
To file a successful railroad injury claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, your situation must meet the following criteria:
- The injury happened while working for the railroad company. It doesn’t matter if the accident occurred on railroad property as long as it happened while you were doing your job.
- The railroad is involved in interstate commerce, meaning it helps move goods or services between states.
- The railroad’s negligence played a role in your injury. You don’t need to prove the railroad was entirely at fault, just that its acts or omissions contributed to the accident.
FELA claims can be complex, but with the right legal guidance, injured railroad workers can pursue the compensation they deserve.
What Compensation Can You Get for a Railroad Accident Under FELA?
Unlike workers’ compensation, FELA allows injured railroad workers to recover a broader range of damages when employer negligence plays a role in their injury. If you qualify to file a FELA lawsuit, you may be entitled to both economic and non-economic compensation.
What Economic Damages Can You Recover from a Railroad Accident?
Economic damages include the following:
- Medical expenses, including future care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages during recovery
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injury prevents you from returning to work
What Are the Non-Economic Damages in FELA Claims?
Non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Because FELA claims are handled through the civil court system, your total compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries, the evidence presented, and the skill of your legal team. The Lanier Law Firm’s experienced FELA attorneys are prepared to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Can You Still Recover if You Were Partially at Fault Under FELA?
The legal principle of comparative negligence applies under FELA as with other industrial accident cases in Texas, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident that caused your injury.
However, any compensation will be reduced by your share of the fault. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for the incident, you can only recover 80 percent of your damages. This system allows injured railroad workers to seek justice and recover damages even when their own mistakes have contributed to an accident.
An experienced FELA attorney can help ensure that fault is fairly assessed and you receive the maximum compensation.
Proof Needed for Recovery Under FELA
How Long Do You Have To File a FELA Claim?
Under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act, you have three years from your injury date to file a lawsuit. Missing the statute of limitations can permanently bar you from recovering any compensation. However, the harm sometimes isn’t immediately apparent. In such cases, the three-year clock may begin when the injury is discovered.
What To Expect When Working With Our Talented FELA Lawyers
When you work with The Lanier Law Firm, you’re not just hiring a law firm; you’re gaining a powerful, award-winning legal team fully committed to your recovery and your future. Our compassionate attorneys understand how devastating a railroad injury can be, and we approach every case with the care, dedication, and strategic focus it deserves.
When working with The Lanier Law Firm, you can expect the following:
- Convenient, on-site consultations
- Thorough investigations and expert support
- Comprehensive legal handling
- Skilled negotiation
- Aggressive trial representation, if necessary
Contact Our Award-Winning FELA Attorneys in Houston, Texas
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a railroad accident, don’t wait to get the legal support you need. FELA claims are complex and time-sensitive, but with the right team by your side, you can pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact The Lanier Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation.
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10940 W. Sam Houston Pkwy N. Suite 100
Houston, TX 77064
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