Title 45, RailroadsRelease 119-102
§55 Contract, Rule, Regulation, or Device Exempting From Liability; Set-off
Title 45 › CHAPTER 2 — LIABILITY FOR INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES › § 55
Summary
Any contract, rule, or device that tries to let a common carrier dodge responsibility under this law is not valid. If the carrier is sued under this law, it can deduct any amounts it already paid to insurance, relief, or other compensation to the injured worker or their beneficiaries for that same injury or death.
Full Legal Text
Title 45, §55
Railroads, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Any contract, rule, regulation, or device whatsoever, the purpose or intent of which shall be to enable any common carrier to exempt itself from any liability created by this chapter, shall to that extent be void: Provided, That in any action brought against any such common carrier under or by virtue of any of the provisions of this chapter, such common carrier may set off therein any sum it has contributed or paid to any insurance, relief benefit, or indemnity that may have been paid to the injured employee or the person entitled thereto on account of the injury or death for which said action was brought.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
45 U.S.C. § 55
Title 45, Railroads
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102