Chicago’s public transit system helps keep the city running. Countless passengers rely on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains every day to travel around the city. Unfortunately, several accidents involving CTA trains happen every year in Chicago.
Victims who suffered an injury or lost a loved one because of a CTA train accident may be able to recover financial compensation in a lawsuit. However, the lawsuits against the CTA can be very complex. The assistance of an attorney can be very valuable during each stage of the legal process.
If you were injured in a train accident, get help recovering the monetary damages available to you. Contact our experienced Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.
Common Causes of CTA Train Accidents
Trains are susceptible to accidents just like any motor vehicle. These accidents can occur anywhere along the train lines or in train yards. There are two main causes of accidents, train collisions and train derailments.
Train Collisions
Train collisions are a common cause of train accidents. Conductors are responsible for controlling trains’ operations. When conductors act carelessly, catastrophic collisions can occur.
Head on collisions involving trains traveling in opposite directions are the most dangerous type of crash. However, rear-end collisions can occur when trains break down or unexpectedly stop on track. Our Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers can offer support to victims of train collisions during their recovery process.
Train Derailments
A train derailment refers to situations when a train comes off its track. Derailments occur for a variety of reasons. The following are examples of situations where a train can become derailed:
- The train collided with another train.
- A portion of the train was forced off track by another force.
- The train approached a turn with too much speed.
- The train “jumped the track” because of a foreign object left on the rails.
Train derailments are often caused by a conductor or other CTA employee’s negligent behavior. Victims should contact our Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers for help recovering compensation after a train derailment.
Suing the Chicago Transit Authority After Train Accidents in Chicago
The CTA may be held liable for train accidents. The CTA does not have the same immunities as other government agencies and can be held liable in a personal injury claim for damages caused by their employees.
However, the process for recovering compensation from the CTA can be complex. Plaintiffs must show that the CTA or their employee’s negligence caused or contributed to their injuries. The following are examples of negligent conduct that may lead to train accidents when committed by CTA employees:
- Operating trains at excessive speeds
- Failing to repair defective tracks
- Failing to clear debris off tracks
- Failing to redirect traffic after a train breaks down on a track
- Breaking abruptly upon arriving at a station
- Leaving a station before train doors have closed
Furthermore, claims may be made against train car or engine manufacturers for accidents caused by their dangerous or defective products. For example, a flaw in a train’s braking system could cause a severe rear-end collision with another train. In such cases, our Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers can help pursue a claim against the defective product’s manufacturer.
Types of Damages Available in CTA Train Accident Lawsuits
Train accidents often cause serious injuries and even death. The type of damages available in a train accident lawsuit will depend on the type of harm that was suffered. Our Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers can explain which of the following types of damages may be available in your case:
Medical Expenses
Victims of train accidents often require extensive medical treatment. You may be compensated for the cost of past, current, and future medical treatment related to injuries suffered because of a CTA train accident. Furthermore, if your loved one passed away because of a train accident, you may be compensated for any medical expenses they incurred before passing away.
Lost Wages
Many train accident victims will also be forced to miss work for extended periods of time. Accordingly, you may also recover damages for lost wages incurred because of a train accident. If you are unable to return to work at any point, our Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers can help recover compensation for your lost earning capacity.
Funeral Expenses
If your family member passed away because of a train accident, you may recover compensation for funeral expenses and burial costs. The period of time following a family member’s death is very difficult to endure. Any form of financial compensation can help support victims during their times of hardship.
Pain and Suffering
Furthermore, victims may recover monetary damages for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by a train accident. However, quantifying these damages can be difficult. Victims should contact our Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers for help pursuing pain and suffering damages in their case.
Common Injuries Caused by CTA Train Accidents
Train accidents can cause numerous injuries. Such injuries can be serious and life threatening. However, any type of injury can be compensated for. The following are common injuries caused by CTA train accidents:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Internal organ damage
- Knee injuries
- Eye injuries
- Burns
- Facial scarring and disfigurement
Victims should not wait to seek medical treatment. Defendants may attempt to use a delay in treatment to avoid paying for your injuries. Furthermore, some serious injuries may not arise until days after a crash. Our Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers can help refer the right doctors to treat your injuries.
If You Were Injured in a CTA Train Accident in Chicago, Our Lawyers Can Help
If you were injured because of a train accident, seek assistance from our experienced Chicago CTA train accident and injury lawyers by calling the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502 for a free case review.
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