Contact us

Phone: 312 977 0100

Fax: 312 977 0795

Our Office

111 West Washington St,

Suite 1425

Chicago, IL 60602

A white background with a few lines on it

More passengers sue Chicago Transit Authority over train crash

healyscanlonveugelergannon • March 10, 2014

Readers may remember hearing about an unusual train accident that occurred late last September in the western suburb of Forest Park. In that incident, which we first wrote about in  October , a Chicago Transit Authority train was stopped at a station when it was struck by an unmanned and unoccupied train. Both trains were on the CTA’s Blue Line tracks.

Approximately 33 passengers aboard the stationary train were injured after being struck by what is now being dubbed a “ghost train.” Two personal injury lawsuits were filed relatively quickly after the incident. Earlier this month, a third lawsuit was filed by four others who were injured in the September 2013 train accident.

According to NBC Chicago, each of the four plaintiffs is seeking at least $50,000 in damages from the CTA, alleging that the agency engaged in “willful and wanton misconduct.” Of the four plaintiffs (who all suffered injuries in the accident), two were unable to work for a period of time because their injuries allegedly left them temporarily disabled.

News coverage of the lawsuit has not detailed the injuries suffered by the four plaintiffs or other passengers. But based on pictures of the crash aftermath, the force of the collision appeared to be substantial enough to cause traumatic brain injuries,  whiplash  and spinal-cord injuries. This is in addition to cuts, bumps and bruises.

Although it has been several months since the accident occurred, questions linger about the cause of the accident, what could have been done to prevent it and what will be done to prevent future incidents. Until or unless the CTA is able to address some of these issues in a satisfactory manner, it would not be surprising to see yet more passengers filing their own lawsuits.

Source:  NBC Chicago, “ Third Lawsuit Filed After “Ghost Train ” Crash,” Mar. 6, 2014

December 11, 2024
Rachel Strieber was honored to plan and co-host the "Women's Bar Cook County Judges' Night" on December 5, 2024. Over 40 judges were in attendance. Rachel is currently a member of the Illinois Women's Bar Association's Civil Litigation Committee where she works to increase opportunities for continuing legal education for fellow attorneys. Rachel also serves on the planning committee for the Women's Bar "Top Women Leaders" and "Judicial Reception" events.
December 11, 2024
Kevin Veugeler secured a $3.2 million recovery plus a waiver of $750,000 in Workers' Compensation benefits for a Sprinkler Fitter who fell from a ladder. While litigating this case, Kevin was able to show that the general contractor and owner of the jobsite failed to follow their own site-specific safety plan to protect the safety of their subcontractors. Through documents and deposition testimony, Kevin was able to establish that the general contractor and owner failed to provide a safe place to work. If you, a friend or a family member have been injured, please contact Healy Scanlon Veugeler Gannon for a free consultation.
Share by: