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When pedestrians and vehicles cross railroad tracks they rely on crossing gates, lights and warning sounds to alert them to oncoming trains. The railroad owner and/or operator has a duty to maintain these in a safe condition. If any of these warning systems is defective, the consequences can be tragic.
Railroad accidents may also occur when one train collides with another, where there is a derailment, when a train collides with a vehicle crossing the track, or where there is mechanical failure.
The attorneys at Burke Wise Morrissey & Kaveny have successfully represented the victims of railroad accidents and their families in all areas of railroad liability.
Martinez v. Northwest Ill.
A 38-year-old coach cleaner was attempting to cross railroad tracks
when she was struck by a train moving in reverse. She sustained a herniated
disk, nerve impingement, depression and permanent disability.
Verdict date: 09/24/99. Verdict amount: $350,000.
Taube v. Amtrak
A young man was killed when the train he was riding on from Chicago
to Louisiana derailed. A barge had run into a bridge, damaging the train tracks making
them impassable.
Settlement date: 04/99. Settlement amount: $1,600,000.
Abrogast v. Illinois Central Railroad
A look-out man for the railroad lost his leg after his train crashed
into the rear of an unlighted train which was stopped on the tracks.
Settlement date: 01/21/99. Settlement amount: $4,250,000.
Coutee v. C&NW
A man working for Northwestern Railroad was crushed and killed by a
train car while he was attempting to ensure the cars were properly connected.
Settlement date: 03/96. Settlement amount: $1,900,000.