Which endorsement to WC&EL policy applies to employees of interstate railroads and intrastate railroads that connect to interstate railroads?

• A. Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) Coverage endorsement
• B. The United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Endorsement
• C. Voluntary Compensation and Employers Liability endorsement
• D. Jones Act endorsement

Answer: (A)

Railroad employees injured on the job fall under the Federal Employers Liability Act rather than standard state workers’ comp, when the railroad is involved in interstate commerce or connected interstate networks. To provide coverage for those federal-law claims within a workers’ compensation and employers liability policy, insurers issue a FELA Coverage endorsement. This endorsement tailors the policy to respond to FELA claims—defense and indemnity—so the railroad’s WC&EL policy covers injuries arising under federal law.

The other endorsements address different groups or programs (maritime workers under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act, seamen under the Jones Act, or voluntary workers’ comp coverage) and don’t specifically apply to railroad employees under FELA.