FELA Lawyer St. Louis, Missouri (MO)

Ted Gianaris is a nationally recognized trial attorney with decades of experience representing railroad workers injured by toxic exposure and unsafe working conditions.

Based in the St. Louis area, Ted has handled numerous cases under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), helping clients recover significant compensation for occupational cancers and other serious illnesses.

He understands the specific risks railroad employees face—from prolonged diesel exhaust exposure in rail yards to asbestos in locomotive parts—and knows how to prove those exposures caused lasting harm.

With a reputation for thorough case preparation and trial-focused advocacy, Ted has earned the trust of railroaders and their families throughout Missouri and Illinois.

His past verdicts and settlements include multimillion-dollar recoveries for workers diagnosed with mesothelioma, kidney cancer, and leukemia linked to their railroad work.

Ted brings a combination of legal skill, investigative experience, and personal dedication to every case he takes.

For railroad workers in the St. Louis region facing a cancer diagnosis, Ted Gianaris is the attorney you want on your side.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a FELA Lawyer from Gianaris Trial Lawyers?

Hiring a FELA lawyer from Gianaris Trial Lawyers costs nothing upfront—we work on a contingency fee basis.

This means you only pay legal fees if we successfully recover compensation through a settlement or trial verdict.

For railroad workers and families already facing medical bills, lost income, and serious health challenges, this structure removes the financial burden of pursuing justice.

It also aligns our firm’s interests with yours: we don’t get paid unless you do.

This allows every client to access high-level legal representation without risking additional out-of-pocket expenses.

The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) is a landmark federal statute enacted in 1908 to provide legal recourse for railroad workers who suffer injuries or illnesses due to employer negligence.

At the time of its passage, railroad work was one of the most dangerous occupations in the country, and traditional workers compensation laws did not apply to these employees.

FELA was designed to fill that gap, giving injured railroad workers the right to sue their employer for financial damages when unsafe practices or conditions contributed to their injury.

Unlike no-fault workers’ compensation systems, FELA requires the injured worker to prove negligence—such as a failure to provide a safe work environment, adequate training, or properly maintained equipment.

This standard of proof is higher, but the potential compensation is far greater, covering not only medical expenses and lost wages but also pain and suffering, loss of future earnings, and diminished quality of life.

In cases of fatal injuries, surviving family members can also seek wrongful death damages.

FELA is part of a broader framework of federal laws aimed at protecting railroad employees, working in conjunction with the Federal Railroad Safety Act, the Locomotive Inspection Act, and the Safety Appliance Act.

These statutes address overlapping issues such as railcar design, safety inspections, and mandatory protections for workers.

When violations of these laws occur, they can serve as critical evidence in a FELA claim, reinforcing the railroad’s liability for resulting harm.

FELA applies to nearly every aspect of railroad work, including incidents involving:

• Defective equipment or tools
• Unsafe work practices or dangerous conditions
• Failure to inspect or maintain locomotives and railcars
• Inadequate employee training or supervision
• Violations of federal safety regulations

Importantly, the railroad’s negligence does not need to be the sole cause of injury; under FELA, even partial fault can justify compensation.

Because these are federal claims, cases can be filed in either state or federal court, depending on the circumstances and legal strategy.

FELA also applies not only to acute, traumatic accidents but to chronic occupational illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, or leukemia caused by prolonged toxic exposure.

For injured railroad workers and their families, FELA remains one of the most powerful tools for securing justice, accountability, and fair compensation from negligent employers.

Types of Injures Commonly Claimed Under FELA

The dynamic and physically demanding environment of railroad work—whether on running locomotives, in rail yards, or within maintenance shops—exposes workers to a wide range of serious injuries.

Each job function comes with distinct hazards: brakemen may suffer falls during coupling operations, while machinists and electricians face risks from heavy equipment, toxic substances, and confined spaces.

Whether it’s a sudden traumatic event or the result of years of repetitive motion, FELA allows injured railroad workers to seek compensation when employer negligence contributes to their injury.

Because the work involves large machinery, hazardous materials, moving trains, and high-pressure systems, the potential for catastrophic harm is always present.

Injuries may result from unsafe procedures, lack of training, defective tools, or a railroad company’s failure to comply with federal safety regulations.

Below are some of the most common injuries claimed in FELA lawsuits, along with how they typically occur on the job:

• Crush Injuries – From being pinned between railcars or struck by moving equipment.
• Amputations – Caused by entanglement in machinery, moving parts, or sudden railcar movement.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Resulting from high-impact falls or collisions.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – From being struck by falling tools, slips on slick surfaces, or equipment malfunctions.
• Fractures and Broken Bones – Due to slips, falls, or impacts with heavy rail equipment.
• Burn Injuries – From hot surfaces, electrical faults, or fuel-related accidents.
• Back and Neck Injuries – Common in workers lifting heavy tools or exposed to repetitive strain.
• Hearing Loss – Caused by long-term exposure to loud engines, horns, and shop equipment without proper protection.
• Respiratory Illnesses – From inhaling diesel exhaust, silica dust, asbestos fibers, or chemical fumes.
• Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer – Often linked to long-term asbestos or diesel exhaust exposure.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries – Affecting joints, tendons, and muscles from years of physical strain.
• Occupational Cancers (e.g., bladder, kidney, leukemia) – Resulting from toxic exposure to substances like benzene, solvents, or welding fumes.
• Lacerations and Deep Cuts – From sharp tools, sheet metal, or broken equipment.
• Electrical Injuries – Suffered by electricians or mechanics working on live systems or poorly grounded machinery.
• Eye Injuries – Caused by flying debris, welding sparks, or chemical splashes.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – Arising from witnessing or surviving catastrophic incidents.
• Death – In cases of fatal workplace accidents or delayed consequences of occupational disease.

These injuries can severely impact a worker’s life and ability to continue employment, making it critical to pursue all available legal remedies under FELA.

How Long Do You Have to File a FELA Claim?

Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), injured railroad workers generally have three years from the date of their injury to file a claim.

If the injury or illness was not immediately apparent—such as in cases of occupational cancer—the three-year period begins when the worker knew or reasonably should have known that the condition was related to their railroad work.

Missing this deadline can result in the claim being dismissed, regardless of its merits.

Because FELA claims involve detailed investigations and medical evidence, it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a diagnosis or accident.

Acting quickly gives your legal team the best chance to preserve evidence, identify negligent conduct, and pursue full compensation.

Why Should You Hire a FELA Attorney for Your Claim?

Hiring a FELA attorney is crucial because these cases are complex and require proof of employer negligence—something general personal injury lawyers may not be equipped to handle.

FELA attorneys understand the federal laws that govern railroad work and know how to build strong claims using industry-specific evidence.

An experienced FELA lawyer can also accurately calculate damages and stand up to powerful railroad companies and their insurers in court.

Advantages of working with a FELA attorney include:

• In-depth knowledge of FELA and related federal statutes
• Experience handling railroad industry claims and accident investigations
• Access to expert witnesses in rail safety and occupational medicine
• Strong trial preparation focused on securing maximum compensation
• No upfront costs due to contingency-based representation

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling railroad cancer claims brought under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

These cases often involve long-term exposure to toxic substances that railroad companies failed to properly manage or warn about—resulting in devastating health consequences for workers.

We represent clients suffering from a range of occupational illnesses, including various forms of cancer linked to years of exposure on job sites, in locomotive cabs, and in rail yards.

Our legal team understands how to investigate exposure history, work conditions, and medical records to prove liability and secure meaningful compensation.

Below are some of the most common toxic exposures in railroad work and the serious health conditions they are known to cause:

• Diesel Exhaust – Linked to lung cancer, bladder cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to prolonged inhalation of ultrafine particles and soot in confined workspaces
• Asbestos – Causes mesothelioma and lung cancer; found in insulation, brake pads, gaskets, and older locomotive components
• Benzene – A known carcinogen found in solvents, degreasers, and fuels; associated with leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
• Welding Fumes – Contains toxic metals such as manganese and chromium; linked to lung cancer and neurological disorders
• Silica Dust – Inhaled during track work and ballast maintenance; connected to lung cancer, silicosis, and severe respiratory damage
• Creosote and Treated Railroad Ties – Skin and respiratory exposure from handling treated materials; linked to skin cancer and respiratory tract cancers
• Herbicides and Weed Killers – Sprayed along tracks; associated with increased risk of blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia

These exposures often went unmonitored and unregulated, leaving workers vulnerable to serious health consequences that may not appear until decades after their last shift.

The Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) is a federal law that allows an injured railroader—or their family in the case of death—to file a lawsuit against their employer when negligence contributed to an on-the-job injury or illness.

FELA claims require proof that the railroad failed to provide a reasonably safe work environment, but the tradeoff is the potential for significantly greater benefits and damages.

FELA applies nationwide, meaning a person can file a claim in federal court or in certain state courts, including in Missouri and other states where the railroad does business.

These lawsuits are especially critical for workers who have suffered a catastrophic injury or developed a life-altering illness due to unsafe conditions, toxic exposure, or defective equipment.

The process of filing a FELA claim is detailed and time-sensitive, as critical evidence can fade and rights may be lost if too much time passes.

Compensation under FELA may include lost income, medical care, pain and suffering, and in cases of death, wrongful death damages for surviving family members.

While many cases settle before trial, others proceed to litigation if the railroad refuses to offer fair compensation.

Here are the key steps involved in pursuing a FELA lawsuit:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care – Document your injuries and follow treatment recommendations.
2. Notify Your Employer – Report the injury or illness as soon as possible.
3. Contact a FELA Attorney – A qualified attorney will evaluate your case and determine if you have a valid claim.
4. Investigate the Cause of Injury – Your legal team gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and reviews safety practices.
5. File the Lawsuit – The attorney files your FELA claim in federal or appropriate state court.
6. Discovery Phase – Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and prepare for trial.
7. Negotiate or Settle – Your attorney may negotiate a settlement if the railroad offers fair compensation.
8. Trial and Verdict – If the case does not settle, it proceeds to trial where a jury determines liability and damages.
9. Collect Damages or Appeal – If successful, you receive compensation; the parties may also appeal the verdict if necessary.

Gathering Evidence for a FELA Claim

Gathering strong evidence is critical to the success of a FELA claim, especially since the injured railroader must prove that the railroad’s negligence contributed to their injury or illness.

FELA Lawyers understand how to identify key facts, retain essential records, and present complex information in a way that clearly demonstrates liability and supports fair compensation.

From workplace conditions to medical documentation, your legal team will handle every aspect of organizing and presenting evidence to build the strongest possible case.

Key evidence in a FELA claim may include:

• Incident reports and injury documentation
• Medical records and treatment history
• Witness statements from co-workers or supervisors
• Maintenance logs and inspection reports
• Company safety manuals and training records
• Photos or video of equipment, work sites, or injuries
• Toxic exposure records or materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
• Expert analysis of workplace conditions or safety violations
• Employment history and job duty descriptions
• Records of prior complaints, OSHA violations, or safety audits

Recoverable Damages Under FELA

Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), injured railroad workers are entitled to recover a wide range of damages that address both the financial and personal impact of their injuries.

FELA allows for comprehensive compensation, including non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

This approach is intended to make sure that injured employees receive fair compensation that reflects the full extent of how their injuries affect their lives and livelihoods.

Recoverable damages under FELA include:

• Lost Wages: Compensation for lost earnings to time away from work, including future earnings if the injury affects long-term employment prospects.
• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical costs related to the injury, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Damages for the diminished ability to earn income in the future due to the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the injury.
• Mental Anguish: Damages for psychological impacts such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to engage in activities and hobbies that were part of the injured person’s life before the accident.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Damages for lasting physical impairments or scarring that affect the individual’s quality of life.
• Wrongful Death: In cases where the injury leads to death, compensation for the deceased worker’s family for their loss.

These damages are designed to address the comprehensive impact of workplace injuries on railroad workers, ensuring they receive the support needed for recovery and financial stability.

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we bring decades of trial experience, deep knowledge of railroad industry standards, and a relentless commitment to justice for injured railroad workers.

We don’t just handle FELA cases—we build them with purpose, preparing every claim for trial and demanding accountability from railroad companies that fail to protect their employees.

From catastrophic injuries to long-term occupational illnesses, we understand the physical, financial, and emotional toll these events take on workers and their families.

Our team offers focused, personal representation to each client, helping them recover full and fair compensation through strategic, evidence-driven advocacy.

If you’ve been injured while working in the railroad industry, or have developed a serious illness due to workplace exposure, it’s time to act.

Contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.