FELA Does Not Allow Worker to Release Unrelated Future Claims in Settlement

In a case of first impression, a California appellate court ruled that a railroad employee’s release of unrelated future claims in settling a claim is invalid under the Federal Employers Liability Act. Case: Chacon v. Union Pacific Railroad Co., No. B299031, 10/26/2020, published. Facts and procedural history: Bernie Chacon worked as a mechanic for the Union Pacific Railroad Co., and its predecessor, for 31 years. In 2009, Chacon sued Union Pacific in Los Angeles County Superior Court for injuries arising from an accident that occurred in 2007. The parties settled in 2010. Union...