FELA

(noun)

The Federal Employers Liability Act, passed in 1908, requires railroad companies to compensate employees who are injured on the job, as a result of the employer's negligence. The Act exemplifies Progressive era legislation in its use of governmental regulation of business and concern with the welfare of workers.

Related Terms

Examples of FELA in the following topics:

  • Social Justice

    • Congress passed FELA in response to the high number of railroad deaths in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
    • Under FELA, railroad workers who are not covered by regular workers' compensation laws are able to sue companies over their injury claims.
    • FELA allows monetary payouts for pain and suffering, decided by juries based on comparative negligence rather than pursuant to a pre-determined benefits schedule under workers' compensation.

  • Regulation

    • Congress passed the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) in response to the high number of railroad deaths in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century.
    • Under FELA, railroad workers who are not covered by regular workers' compensation laws are able to sue companies over their injury claims.
    • FELA allows monetary payouts for pain and suffering, decided by juries based on comparative negligence rather than pursuant to a predetermined benefits schedule under workers' compensation.