1.  ACCIDENT REPORTS:  The accident report requires you to check a box stating whether anyone was at fault and whether any equipment was defective.  Even if you are not sure of all the facts, do not check "no", because if you do you are admitting that the Railroad was not at fault.  Leave blank if you are not sure.  Some railroads will ask if you want them to pay the balance of medical bills under a supplemental policy.  You should say "Yes" but do not sign a refusal statement. 

2.  MEDICAL TREATMENT:  Do not put yourself in the hands of a doctor specifically picked by the Railroad.  Your insurance will cover the doctor of your choice, even though the Railroad often will try to make you believe that you can only go to its approved doctors.

3.  RAILROAD RETIREMENT BENEFITS:  Apply immediately for sick benefits if it appears that you will never be able to return to your job (and if you have sufficient months).  We will help you apply as soon as possible for your disability pension.

4.  PROOF OF FAULT:  Anything you do towards getting photographs, finding eyewitnesses, or identifying witnesses who know of the unsafe conditions that caused your injury will help you in the long run to make a better claim.  Help your lawyer...help yourself!!!

5.  CONSISTENT MEDICAL HISTORY:  Be consistent will all your doctors in giving them the correct date of your accident and be consistent in describing exactly how you were hurt on the Railroad.  Inconsistent histories gives the Railroad an opening to argue that you are not telling the truth.

6.  DELAY HURTS YOUR CASE:  If you are getting money from the Claim Agent, you have to know that it is going to stop some day... it can't go on forever!  While you are happily pocketing the monthly advance, the facts are less clear, photographs are not being taken, and memories are fading...your case is going south and the Railroad knows it...they don't give you that money because they love you!