Navigating workers compensation in the transportation sector can be daunting for pilots, flight attendants, and railway workers. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals face high – risk work environments with a significant number of injuries. In a premium vs counterfeit models comparison, genuine understanding of compensation can save you from huge losses. With our 2025 fresh guide, get a free – installation – included analysis of your claim. Enjoy best – price – guarantee for legal advice! Local transportation workers, act now and secure your benefits.

General information

Did you know that transportation workers face a wide range of workplace risks, with the railroad industry having a fatal injury rate more than double the rate for all workers (Bureau of Transportation Statistics)? And truck and delivery service drivers accounted for more than 70,000 workplace injuries and illnesses in 2018 (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics). Understanding workers’ compensation in the transportation sector is crucial for these workers.

Eligibility criteria

General criteria for transportation workers

In general, most transportation workers are eligible for workers’ compensation if they are injured on the job or develop a work – related illness. Before the establishment of Workers Compensation, employers had certain common – law obligations. Now, under workers’ compensation systems, injured employees can often claim compensation benefits and, in some cases, sue the defaulting employer for damages (Workers Compensation for the Transportation Industry). However, specific industries like railroads operate under different rules. For example, railroad workers don’t typically get workers’ comp but are covered by the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (FELA) in most cases, which provides better coverage about 90% of the time.
Pro Tip: Always keep detailed records of your work hours, tasks, and any incidents at work. This documentation can be invaluable when filing a workers’ compensation claim.

Criteria for specific transportation occupations

Railway workers

Railway workers are covered by FELA. To be eligible for FELA benefits, an injured worker must prove that the railroad was at least partially negligent in causing the injury. This is different from traditional workers’ compensation systems where benefits are generally provided on a no – fault basis.

Flight attendants and pilots

Flight attendants and pilots are usually eligible for workers’ compensation if they are injured while on the job, whether on or off an airplane as long as they are on the clock. Airline employees who work for an airline not principally located in Illinois can also file a workers’ compensation claim in Illinois if they were injured while in Illinois during an on – the – job layover.
Case Study: A flight attendant was injured due to turbulence during a flight. Since they were on the clock, they were eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim to cover their medical expenses and lost wages.

Claim procedures

For pilots

Step – by – Step:

1. Seek medical attention immediately if you are injured. This is not only important for your health but also for documenting your injury.
2. Notify your employer as soon as possible about the injury. There may be specific time limits for reporting an injury.
3. Gather all relevant information such as medical reports, incident reports, and witness statements.
4. Submit the ACORD Workers’ Compensation application, including the employee count per location. If you work in a location with 50 or more exposed lives, you must also identify building construction type, sprinkler protection, number of exits, and any type of emergency evacuation plan.
5. Work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney or your company’s insurance representative to file the claim.
   Pro Tip: Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney early in the process. They can help you navigate the complex claim procedures and ensure you get the benefits you deserve.

Common work – related injuries

Railway workers

Some of the most common railroad injuries include hearing loss due to the loud work environments. Other injuries can result from heavy machinery use, long hours, and challenging conditions.

Flight attendants and pilots

Flight attendants are at risk of injuries from turbulence, slip – and – fall injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Turbulence can cause serious injuries that may end their careers. For example, a survey by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) between 1980 and 2008 found that in 234 turbulence – related accidents, flight attendants were often the victims. Pilots can also face various injuries, and a study on pilots in one Swedish commercial airline found that work – related psychosocial risk factors have been related to a variety of musculoskeletal symptoms.
As recommended by industry – standard safety guidelines, transportation companies should implement regular safety training programs to reduce the risk of these common injuries.

Coverage

Workers’ compensation in general

Workers’ compensation generally provides medical treatment and wage replacement coverage for on – the – job injuries or work – related illnesses. Our aviation workers compensation insurance coverages reflect state law requirements to protect companies and their employees, including covering medical costs, lost wages, and guarding against claims.

FELA for railway workers

FELA provides a more comprehensive remedy than the traditional workers’ compensation system. Injured railroad workers can seek various types of compensation under FELA, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, they must prove the railroad’s partial negligence.
Key Takeaways:

• Transportation workers in different occupations (rail, aviation) have different eligibility criteria and claim procedures for workers’ compensation.
• Common work – related injuries vary by occupation and understanding them can help in prevention.
• Both traditional workers’ compensation and FELA offer different types of coverage to injured workers.
  Try our workers’ compensation eligibility checker to quickly determine if you are eligible for benefits.
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Specific features by occupation

The transportation sector is vast and varied, with each occupation facing its own set of challenges. When it comes to workers’ compensation, understanding the specific features by occupation is crucial for both employees and employers. Let’s take a detailed look at the unique aspects of workers’ compensation for pilots, flight attendants, and railway workers.

Pilots and flight attendants

Unique hazards and risks

Pilots and flight attendants have jobs that come with distinct risks. For flight attendants, turbulence in flight is a major concern. A survey by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) between 1980 and 2008 found that in 234 turbulence – related accidents, many flight attendants suffered serious injuries, sometimes ending their careers (FAA Survey 1980 – 2008). Turbulence can cause them to fall, leading to broken bones, head injuries, and other severe problems.
Pilots, on the other hand, face different risks. A study on pilots in a Swedish commercial airline showed that work – related psychosocial risk factors were related to a variety of musculoskeletal symptoms. Additionally, both pilots and airline crews can be exposed to chemical irritants and airborne pollutants, which may lead to dermatitis (Swedish Airline Pilot Study).
Pro Tip: Airlines should provide regular training on how to handle turbulence situations for flight attendants and stress – management training for pilots to reduce the risks associated with these unique hazards.

Geographic coverage

Pilots and flight attendants often work across different regions and countries. Workers’ compensation insurance for these professionals needs to have comprehensive geographic coverage. Many aviation workers’ compensation insurance policies cover employees for work – related injuries anywhere in the world. For example, some policies offer Foreign Voluntary Compensation coverage, which provides coverage to employees for work – related injuries in territories outside the standard coverage area.
As recommended by leading aviation insurance consultants, it’s essential for airlines to carefully review the geographic coverage of their workers’ compensation policies to ensure all potential work locations are included.

Regulatory updates

The 2025 updates to workers’ compensation laws and safety regulations mark significant progress in protecting aviation workers. These updates aim to improve safety standards and ensure better compensation for injured workers. For instance, new regulations may require airlines to provide more detailed safety training and better reporting mechanisms for accidents.
Key Takeaways:

• Stay informed about regulatory updates to ensure compliance and provide a safer workplace.
• These updates can impact the workers’ compensation process and benefits.

Railway workers

Railroad workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, railroad employees are approximately twice as likely to die on the job as the average American worker. The work environment is filled with heavy machinery, long hours, and loud noise, which can lead to various injuries. Common injuries include hearing loss due to the loud environments and physical injuries from operating heavy equipment.
One of the unique aspects of workers’ compensation for railway workers is the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA). Unlike traditional workers’ compensation, FELA allows injured workers to file claims in federal or state courts and seek compensation through jury verdicts or settlements. Hoey & Farina, P.C., a leading Chicago – based personal injury law firm specializing in train and railroad work accidents, can help workers navigate this complex legal system.
Step – by – Step to filing a FELA claim:

1. Seek medical attention immediately after the injury.
2. Contact an experienced FELA attorney.
3. Gather evidence related to the accident, such as witness statements and accident reports.
4. Have the attorney evaluate the case.
5. File the FELA claim in the appropriate court.
   Pro Tip: Railway workers should always keep detailed records of their work, including hours, tasks, and any safety concerns, as this can be valuable in the event of a workers’ compensation claim.
   Comparison Table:

Occupation	Insurance Type	Key Benefits	Unique Risks
Pilots and Flight Attendants	Aviation Workers’ Compensation Insurance	Covers medical costs, lost wages, worldwide in some cases	Turbulence injuries, chemical exposure
Railway Workers	FELA	Federal or state court claims, jury verdicts or settlements	Hearing loss, heavy machinery injuries

Try our workers’ compensation eligibility calculator to see if you qualify for benefits based on your occupation in the transportation sector.

FAQ

What is workers’ compensation in the transportation sector?

Workers’ compensation in the transportation sector provides medical treatment and wage replacement for on – the – job injuries or work – related illnesses. It varies by occupation. For instance, railway workers are often covered by FELA, while pilots and flight attendants usually have aviation workers’ compensation. Detailed in our [General information] analysis, it safeguards employees’ rights.

How to file a workers’ compensation claim as a pilot?

1. Seek immediate medical attention.
2. Notify your employer promptly.
3. Gather all relevant information like medical reports.
4. Submit the ACORD application with necessary details.
5. Work with an attorney or insurance rep. As recommended by experts, consulting an attorney early helps navigate the process. Detailed in our [Claim procedures] analysis.

Workers’ compensation for flight attendants vs railway workers: What’s the difference?

Flight attendants typically use aviation workers’ compensation, covering injuries from turbulence, slips, etc., worldwide in some policies. Railway workers are covered by FELA, which allows federal or state court claims. Unlike flight attendants’ no – fault – like compensation in most cases, railway workers must prove railroad negligence. Detailed in our [Coverage] analysis.

Steps for a railway worker to file a FELA claim?

1. Seek medical help right after the injury.
2. Contact an experienced FELA attorney.
3. Collect evidence such as witness statements.
4. Let the attorney evaluate the case.
5. File the claim in the appropriate court. According to legal standards, proper evidence – gathering is crucial. Detailed in our [Railway workers – Specific features] analysis.