What Is the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA)?
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act is a federal law enacted in 1908 that gives railroad employees the right to sue their employers for injuries caused by workplace negligence. Unlike state workers’ compensation systems that cap benefits regardless of fault, FELA allows injured railroad workers to pursue full financial compensation—including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and diminished earning capacity—when their employer’s negligence played any role in causing the injury.
FELA covers employees of virtually every railroad operating in the United States, including NJ Transit, Amtrak, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern, LIRR, Metro-North, PATH, and Conrail. If you work for a railroad and were hurt on the job, you almost certainly have FELA rights—and you have every right to see the doctor of your choosing, not one selected by your employer or its insurance company.
Why an Independent Medical Evaluation Matters for Your FELA Claim
Railroad companies maintain entire departments devoted to managing injury claims. From the moment you report an accident, claims agents begin building a defense—often steering you toward company-selected physicians whose evaluations may minimize your injuries. An independent medical evaluation (IME) conducted by a physician with no ties to the railroad is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your claim.
At Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice, Dr. Dariusz Nasiek provides thorough, objective evaluations designed to accurately document the full extent of your injuries. Our practice has zero affiliations with any railroad company or insurance carrier. Every diagnosis, treatment plan, and medical report is created to serve your health and your legal rights—not to reduce your employer’s liability.
Common Railroad Injuries We Diagnose and Treat
Railroad work is among the most physically demanding and hazardous occupations in the country. Workers face daily exposure to heavy machinery, repetitive physical stress, unstable footing, extreme weather, and the ever-present risk of train movements. The injuries that result from these conditions are often severe, complex, and life-altering.
Our practice specializes in the neurological and pain-related injuries that railroad workers most frequently suffer. These include herniated and bulging discs in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine; radiculopathy and nerve root compression caused by repetitive strain or acute trauma; traumatic brain injuries from falls, strikes, or derailments; complex regional pain syndrome that develops after fractures or surgical procedures; carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathies from years of operating vibrating equipment; and chronic pain conditions that persist long after the initial injury.
Many of these conditions are invisible on the outside but profoundly disabling. A proper neurological workup—including advanced imaging such as MRI and DTI, electrodiagnostic testing like EMG and EEG, and comprehensive clinical examination—is essential to accurately identify and document the true scope of your injuries.
Our FELA Evaluation and Treatment Process
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Every FELA case at our practice begins with an extensive clinical evaluation. Dr. Nasiek conducts a detailed review of your medical history, accident circumstances, and current symptoms. This is followed by a thorough neurological examination and any necessary diagnostic testing, which may include MRI, CT scans, X-rays, EMG nerve conduction studies, EEG brain wave analysis, and Diffusion Tensor Imaging for complex brain injury cases.
Individualized Treatment Plan
Once we have established an accurate diagnosis, we develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific injuries. Our interventional pain management capabilities include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, trigger point therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and advanced procedures such as percutaneous discectomy and spinal cord stimulation. The goal is always to reduce your pain, restore function, and support your recovery—while documenting every step for your legal case.
Medical-Legal Documentation and Expert Testimony
Detailed medical documentation is the backbone of any successful FELA claim. Dr. Nasiek prepares comprehensive reports that clearly establish the causal connection between your railroad employment, the accident or occupational exposure, and your resulting medical conditions. As a court-qualified expert witness, he has provided testimony in numerous FELA and personal injury proceedings across New Jersey and New York.
Your Right to Choose Your Own Doctor
One of the most important rights railroad workers have under FELA is the right to choose their own physician. You do not have to accept treatment from a doctor selected or recommended by your railroad employer or its claims department. In fact, seeing an independent physician is critical to ensuring your injuries are documented objectively and your treatment plan prioritizes your recovery—not your employer’s bottom line.
Dr. Nasiek has treated thousands of injured railroad workers throughout his career and understands the unique occupational hazards, injury patterns, and medical-legal requirements specific to the railroad industry. His evaluations are thorough, his diagnoses are accurate, and his reports are designed to withstand scrutiny in depositions and at trial.
Steps to Protect Your FELA Claim After a Railroad Injury
If you have been injured while working for a railroad, taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in both your recovery and your claim. Report the injury to your supervisor immediately and insist on a written accident report. Seek medical evaluation from an independent physician as soon as possible—do not rely solely on railroad medical providers. Keep detailed records of your symptoms, treatment, work restrictions, and all communications with your employer. Contact a FELA attorney to ensure your legal rights are fully protected. Follow your prescribed treatment plan consistently, as gaps in care can be used to challenge the severity of your injuries.
Serving Railroad Workers Across New Jersey and New York
We understand that getting to appointments can be difficult when you are dealing with pain and limited mobility. That is why we maintain six convenient clinic locations across New Jersey and New York, making it easier for injured railroad workers throughout the tri-state area to access the specialized care they need. Whether you work for NJ Transit, Amtrak, CSX, Metro-North, LIRR, PATH, or any other railroad, our practice is equipped to handle your case.
Schedule Your Independent FELA Evaluation Today
Do not wait for your employer’s claims process to determine the course of your medical care. Contact Allied Neurology & Interventional Pain Practice at 201-894-1313 to schedule a comprehensive independent evaluation. There is no cost for the initial consultation, and our team will work with your FELA attorney to ensure your medical documentation supports the full value of your claim.