Illinois Train Accident Attorneys

Lawyers Providing Legal Help With Railroad Injuries and FELA Cases in Chicago

Trains are massive, and they often move at high speeds. This means that any type of train accident is likely to lead to catastrophic injuries or death. When a vehicle collides with a train, a pedestrian is injured at a railroad crossing, or a passenger is harmed by defective train equipment, victims should work with a skilled attorney to determine their options for receiving compensation for their injuries.

At Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, our personal injury lawyers understand the legal issues involved in railroad accidents. We will work to identify the liable parties and hold them responsible for your damages. We have a record of success in cases involving a wide variety of transportation injuries, including obtaining a $29.6 million verdict for a woman who suffered brain damage in the derailment of a Metra train.

Injuries to Drivers, Pedestrians, or Passengers

Any incident involving a train, such as a collision with a car or truck, a train striking a pedestrian, or a derailment, is likely to cause serious injuries. Railroad accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Operator negligence - Accidents may occur if train operators travel faster than the posted safety limit, if they fail to use their alarms or horns at crossings, or if they fail to see vehicles or pedestrians in their path. Passengers may be injured if an operator stops a train too abruptly or begins moving before passengers have safely boarded.
• Unprotected railroad crossings - Crossings that do not provide adequate protection can result in a vehicle or pedestrian being struck by a train. If lights, signals, or crossing arms do not work properly, if inadequate signage is provided, or if a crossing is poorly designed or not adequately maintained, the railroad company may be liable for injuries.
• Faulty equipment - The failure of equipment such as railroad tracks, engines, brakes, couplings, or switches can cause massive accidents, including derailment. A railroad company may be liable for injuries if they failed to properly maintain equipment, or a manufacturer may be liable for injuries caused by defective parts.

Railroad Worker Injuries and FELA Claims

Employees who work on railroads may suffer serious injuries in the course of their job. In addition to workers' compensation benefits, these employees may be able to bring a claim against their employer through the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA). A FELA claim requires a worker to demonstrate negligence by an employer, which may include:

• Failure to follow safety rules and regulations
• Failure to provide safe tools and equipment
• Failure to provide proper training or ensure that a worker's duties do not exceed their capabilities
• Failure to perform inspections

The damages an injured railroad employee may pursue through a FELA claim include the costs of medical treatment, lost income while recovering from an injury, impairment to future income, and pain and suffering.

Contact a Chicago Railroad Accident Lawyer

There are a large number of trains in the Chicago area, including those operated by CTA, Metra, and Amtrak, and an accident involving one of these trains is likely to lead to severe injuries. The attorneys of TKK work with train accident victims to help demonstrate that their injuries were caused by the train operator or railroad company's negligence, allowing them to recover full and fair compensation. If you have been injured in a collision or other incident involving a train, contact our office at 312-605-8800 for a free consultation.