3 Qualities the FELA Lawyer You Decide to Hire Should Offer
Now that you're getting ready to file a railroad injury case against your employer, it's time to think about hiring a FELA lawyer to represent you. Here are some qualities to look for when choosing an attorney to work with:
The Ability to Understand "Railroad Talk"
You likely already know that the railroad industry employs its own "railroad talk", and your lawyer should understand how to interpret such talk without misconstruing what has been said by a witness, employer, or co-worker. When your attorney interviews people within the railroad industry to help prove your case, they will have to understand the lingo that is spoken and shorthand that is written, then translate the information in a way that the court can clearly understand it.
When consulting with prospective lawyers, engage in some "railroad talk" to see just how proficient they are. Find out if they have to use cheat sheets or if they're fluent in the lingo.
Dedicated Specialization
The lawyer you hire should also dedicate their practice solely to FELA laws, because if they're dealing with things like divorce and personal injury cases too, they likely don't have the time needed to ensure that they're up to date with the latest laws, standards, and industry practices.
You don't want a lawyer representing you who isn't aware the some laws have been update in the last couple years—this could lead to missed opportunities and reduced compensation. Make sure that the attorney you hire specializes in FELA laws and railroad injury cases to optimize your chances of winning your case.
Properly Trained Support Staff
If a prospective lawyer you consult with doesn't work alone, make sure that their staff is properly trained for working under the FELA laws and understanding the railroad industry as a whole. Inquire about the support staff and find out if they've ever worked in any other areas of law, how long they've been working solely on FELA cases, and what kind of licensing they have, if any.
If possible, ask to meet with anyone from the support team who will be working on your case so you can get to know their frame of mind and how they plan to help the lawyer provide you with the best possible options as your case develops.
Make a list of the considerations outlined here and add to it with your own personal questions and concerns. You can use the list as an interview outline when meeting with potential FELA lawyers to ensure that no important points are overlooked. To learn more, contact services such as Bob Fain Law.
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