Skip to Main Content
Railroad News

Canadian National Freight Train Derails, Burns In Chicago Suburb, Snarls Metra Commuter Traffic

By Pottroff & Karlin LLC |

(Bartlett, Illinois – November 3, 2011)

As many as 22 cars of a Canadian National freight train derailed Thursday morning about 5:00 A.M. at the crossing of Canadian National and Metra’s Milwaukee West commuter line, throwing Metra’s morning commute service into an uproar.

The area near the derailment was thrown into panic as three cars of fiberboard and scrap metal caught fire, and carloads of sodium hydroxide (lye) and ferric sulfate in the train’s consist were endangered. All train service west of Spaulding Road was terminated, but several Metra commuter train sets which are stored in Elgin, IL overnight became stranded and unable to be used anywhere on Metra’s system.

School bus service in the Elgin School District, which includes Bartlett, was disrupted, forcing schools to adjust morning schedules. Ironically, Canadian Pacific Railroad handles all train dispatching over the Milwaukee West Line, as it is used to run CPR freight traffic into Chicago.

Firefighters and police from both Bartlett and Elgin, as well as officers from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office were on the scene to assist CN Railroad personnel.


sb-news-bg

Railroad News



Testimonials

Train crash cases are unique and complex with many different potential pitfalls, such as federal preemption. Anytime I get hired or even get a call from a train crash victim, my very first call is to 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 Lubbock, Texas

I have had the opportunity to work as co-counsel with Nathan on several railroad crossing accidents cases. 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. I would recommend him to anyone without hesitation.

Scott McCluen Harriman, Tennessee

Nathan Karlin has my strongest endorsement in the field of railroad crossing cases and personal injury law. I had the pleasure of working with Nathan in a complex railroad personal injury case. I was impressed by Nathan’s knowledge, his work ethic, and his dedication to the client. I look forward to working with Nathan on future injury matters. I am also aware firsthand that he has obtained excellent trial and settlement results in numerous cases involving members of the public harmed by railroad companies.

Joseph M. Miller Mandeville, Louisiana

Nathan is a warrior fighting the railroads. As a fellow personal injury lawyer, I have constantly been impressed with his depth of knowledge and his capabilities from case to case. I’d take him into battle with me any day against the biggest railroads and insurance companies on the planet.

Jon C. Clark Austin, Texas

Bob Pottroff has fought for the victims of the railroads’ callous disregard for safety more than any other attorney that I know. I should know because I am currently Chair-elect of the Railroad Section of ATLA.

Robert Schuetze Boulder, Colorado

Mr. Pottroff has shaken the rail industry to its very roots. Settlements are now more common as a result of the way he has exposed the industry’s wrongdoing.

Mike Easley Arkansas

Bob Pottroff’s work in railroad safety law is unmatched and he has been the source of great advice and phenomenal creativity.

Roger Brown Jefferson City, Missouri

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 Lake Charles, Louisiana

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
Testimonials