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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 and Morrissey 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.