Metra Train Accident Lawyer
Disturbingly, Metra trains are one of the most common ways for Illinois residents to commit suicide. This, of course, is not Metra’s fault and there is no way to recover damages when an individual decides to take their own life using the train to do so. But not all of the lives taken by Metra trains are the result of suicide. Some are the result of the company or an employee’s negligence.
If that is the case, you need a skilled personal injury attorney who has experience litigating train accident lawsuits. The Kansas-based Pottroff & Karlin focuses on railroad accident lawsuits and liability. Our clients are those who have suffered serious injuries or the families of those who have died on trains. They are passengers, employees, and those struck by trains while crossing the tracks.
If you’ve been injured on a train or your loved one has lost their lives in a train accident, please give us a call at (785) 453-3109 or contact us online for a free consultation.
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“Integrity”
“In addition to his substantive contributions to railroad grade crossing safety, I have personally observed his untiring efforts and contributions to improving the integrity of the legal system.”- Elizabeth Hardy -
“Beyond Belief”
“His knowledge of the rail industry and his willingness to share his knowledge with other people who do railroad work is beyond belief to me.”- Mike Bee -
“Given Hope”
“Through his efforts, he has single-handedly given hope to victims who are injured or killed as a result of dangerous railroad crossings”- Donald Vasos -
“Impressed”
“Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads.”- Jonathon (Jon) C. Clark -
“Excellent Results”
“Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law.”- Joseph M. Miller -
“Would Recommend Without Hesitation”
“In each case, Nathan always possessed an incredible knowledge of the law and the facts, possessed a great talent for aggressive – strategic legal planning and trial tactics while, at the same time, displaying great skill as an effective negotiator.”- Scott McCluen -
“First Call is Nathan's Firm”
“Nathan’s knowledge and experience in handling and trying cases against these litigation savvy railroad companies gives me the confidence to know that the clients and cases I refer to him are getting the best of the best.”- James Perrin -
“Hard-Working”
“The staff is helpful, professional, and responsive.”- Tracy D.
Common Reasons for Metra Train Injuries and Deaths
Aside from suicide, Metra has been sued for a number of injuries and deaths it has caused to passengers, employers, and others. In a personal injury lawsuit, however, the plaintiff has the burden of proving that the defendant was negligent. Negligence has a three-factor test. Those are:
- That the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff,
- That the defendant breached that duty of care,
- Those injuries resulted from that breach.
In other words, your attorney needs to show that the train company somehow failed to take adequate care of their passengers, others who share the road, or its employees, and that failure was the proximate cause of their injuries.
Common forms of negligence that result in successful lawsuits include:
- Speeding when the train is behind schedule,
- Distracted, fatigued, or inebriated conductor,
- Improperly trained staff,
- Insufficient number of workers,
- Equipment malfunction due to poor maintenance,
- Defective train safety equipment.
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Purpose-Driven Representation
We handle each case with the belief that the legal system should be a tool for positive change. Our work often leads to broader safety improvements, not just individual outcomes.
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Focused on Serious Injury Cases
Our practice centers on railroad crossing accidents and other catastrophic injuries. These complex cases demand deep experience and a commitment to long-term impact.
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Personalized, Accessible Legal Support
We maintain a welcoming environment where clients are heard, supported, and informed. Our team approach ensures you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
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Free Consultations, Contingency-Based FeesWe offer free consultations and only get paid if we recover compensation for you. It’s one way we make justice more accessible for those who need it most.
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Metra Sued for Death of Woman Struck by Train
On January 15th, of 2018 a woman was struck and killed by a Metra train while standing on the platform. Her mother is suing Metra for an undisclosed amount of money. She is alleging that the train company did not employ adequate safeguards to prevent such accidents.
Depending on the evidence presented by both parties, this is potentially an example of negligence. If the plaintiff can show that Metra’s inadequate safety measures caused the death of the young woman then Metra will be on the hook for the woman’s death and the plaintiff will win their wrongful death lawsuit against the train company.
Metra Settles Lawsuits for Two Deaths for $11 Million after Fatal Derailment
On September 17th, 2005 a Metra train derailment resulted in the deaths of two young women. An investigation was conducted into the incident and the cause was determined to be that the train was traveling at an unsafe speed.
Derailments often have some of the most devastating results for passengers and employees.