CPB Certified Professional Biller Certification Practice Exam

What is the significance of the Federal Employment Liability Act (FELA)?

1. It guarantees healthcare benefits for federal employees.

2. It allows federal workers to sue their employers for job-related injuries.

3. It regulates federal employment contracts.

4. It sets standards for employment wage policies.

The correct answer is: It allows federal workers to sue their employers for job-related injuries.

The Federal Employment Liability Act (FELA) holds significant importance as it allows federal workers to sue their employers for job-related injuries. This law is specifically designed to protect railroad workers and provides them with a legal framework to seek compensation for injuries sustained in the course of their employment due to negligence on the part of their employer. FELA is particularly important because it differs from standard workers' compensation laws. While workers' compensation typically provides benefits regardless of fault, FELA requires the injured party to prove that the employer's negligence contributed to their injury. This avenue is crucial in ensuring that federal employees, particularly those in the railroad industry, have recourse for compensation and can hold their employers accountable for unsafe working conditions. In contrast, the other options suggest varying types of employment protections that do not align with the specific provisions of FELA. For instance, healthcare benefits for federal employees are covered under a different set of regulations, and standards for wage policies are enforced through separate labor laws. FELA's unique focus on the ability to sue for damages based on employer negligence is what establishes its critical role in safeguarding the rights of injured federal employees.