Chicago Railroad Accident Lawyers
Representing Victims of Mass Transit Accidents throughout Illinois
Chicago is a hub of railroad activity, both commuter trains and cross-country freight trains. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) alone has 1,200 rail cars that operate over eight routes and 224 miles of track, making about 2,145 trips each day and serving 14 stations in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
Unfortunately, railroad accidents are a relatively common occurrence – many times with fatal results. In fact, according to the Chicago Tribune, a pedestrian is killed at a railroad crossing about once every 10 days in the Chicago area, with suburban railroad crossings – such as Barrington, La Grange, Villa Park, Lake Forest and Franklin Park – experiencing the highest number of railroad fatalities.
The Chicago railroad accident attorneys at Cary J. Wintroub & Associates focus on representing clients in complex and catastrophic personal injury accidents, including railroad accidents and other mass transit accidents. With more than 30 years of experience handling Illinois accident and injury lawsuits, we use our extensive experience and knowledge to assess the legal complexities involved with a railroad accident.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a railroad accident, do not delay. Contact our office at (312) 726-1021 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Illinois railroad accident lawyers.
Liability and Damages in Railroad Accidents
Railroads and train conductors have a duty to exercise reasonable care in the operation and maintenance of their trains and in making crossings safe. This duty includes proceeding at reasonable speeds in light of load and weather conditions, checking to make certain passengers enter and exit the train safely, and providing gates, lights or other warnings to motorists.
Given the size, force, and speed of trains, railroad accidents often result in severe injuries or death. The Chicago railroad accident attorneys at Cary J. Wintroub & Associates have the experience and skill necessary to handle the legal complexities in order to advocate on our clients’ behalf for a full and fair financial recovery, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
In fatal railroad accident cases, we also seek the following compensation on the behalf of the decedent’s loved ones:
- Medical bills
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of future income and benefits
- Loss of future inheritance
- Loss of parental guidance (if decedent has minor children)
- Loss of spousal companionship, protection and care
- Grief, sorrow and mental suffering of surviving spouse and next of kin
- Pain and suffering of the decedent prior to death
- Punitive damages (if defendant’s actions were intentional)
Rights of Injured Railroad Workers (FELA Liability)
Railroad workers who are injured on the job also have a right to compensation for their injuries under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which was intended to provide injured workers and their families with fair and manageable compensation for injuries. In order to recover compensation under the FELA, the injured railroad worker must prove that the railroad failed to provide a reasonably safe place to work. Like all injured workers, railroad workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
The Chicago railroad accident lawyers at Cary J. Wintroub & Associates are dedicated to helping clients obtain maximum recovery from all possible sources – whether workers’ compensation, FELA benefits, or personal injury damages. We are conveniently located in downtown Chicago, just blocks from the Cook County Courthouse, and we offer free parking. Because we offer a free initial consultation and work under a contingency fee arrangement, you will pay nothing unless you receive financial recovery.
Contact our office at (312) 726-1021 to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled Illinois railroad accident lawyers.
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