Naperville Railroad Accident Lawyers
Excessive speed, operator impairment, and violations of safety protocols are among the leading causes of train accidents in Illinois. These incidents can result in severe injuries and fatalities, leaving victims and their families facing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. When a train crash is caused by the negligence of a conductor, railway company, or equipment manufacturer, injured victims have the right to pursue compensation. However, holding the responsible party accountable and securing a fair settlement from the railroad or insurance company can be a complicated process.
The experienced railroad accident attorneys at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy are here to help.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a train accident, don’t wait to take legal action. Contact our law firm for a free consultation. We can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
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How Our Attorneys Can Help You Recover
After a train accident, you may be facing extensive medical bills, time away from work, and significant pain and suffering. Navigating the legal process while trying to heal can feel overwhelming, especially when railroad companies and insurance providers attempt to minimize or deny your claim. As such, choosing the best attorney to handle your case is crucial.
Our experienced train accident attorneys at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy are here to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the Accident – We conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident, gather crucial evidence, and identify all liable parties, including train operators, railway companies, maintenance crews, or manufacturers.
- Handling Insurance and Railroad Companies – We manage all communication and negotiations with the railroad and insurance companies to prevent them from pressuring you into accepting a low settlement.
- Calculating Your Damages – Our legal team works with medical and financial experts to accurately assess the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- Filing Your Claim or Lawsuit – We guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your FELA claim or personal injury lawsuit is filed correctly and within the required deadlines. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
- Providing Personalized Support – We understand how difficult the aftermath of a train accident can be. Our team offers compassionate legal guidance and keeps you informed throughout your case, so you can focus on your recovery.
If you were injured in a train accident, contact us or call (312) 775-0042 for a free consultation and let us help you recover full and fair compensation.
Client Testimonials
I found the law practice of what was at the time, Turcy and Chute, to be very efficient, knowledgeable and committed in the specialty of Personal Injury Law. As a recipient of their guidance and perseverance, I was very pleased with their communication, explanations and the ultimate positive verdict. For over three years, Tom Chute and staff shared their professionalism, belief and expertise in my case. I would not hesitate to recommend them to others.
Mike took care of my case and I’m thankful for all of the help, time, and effort he put forth for me. Any time I had questions, Mike was always there to answer and then answer them again if I needed further clarification. Nobody really wants to be put in this position and dealing with a process like mine, but if you absolutely have to, go with him.
I had the pleasure of working with attorney Tom Grace on my deceased father’s personal injury case. Tom was very prompt in all of his communications, he never left us guessing what was going on or where we were in the process, he offered up his honest opinion when it was decision making time and lastly he ensured this case wasn’t dragged out. I would highly appreciate his customer service and would absolutely recommend Tom Grace and the Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy team.
AMAZING! I highly recommend this group. We had quite an unusual case, this group was our only glimmer of hope when our options were limited and no one would accept a complicated case. We worked closely with Colin O’Malley and his team. Words cannot do justice to how wonderful they are; highly competent, professional, very responsive, thorough and friendly. Colin went above and beyond to make himself available and to answer all our questions and concerns. If you need an excellent proficient injury lawyer that would fight for you, look no further!
Tom Grace is an amazing attorney. I highly recommend him, he was very professional, caring, and very detailed when explaining the status of my case. I was very pleased with my settlement especially during a time like this with this cover-19 going on. He managed to get things done in a timely manner and always kept me in the wraps with my case. Thank You so very much! I really appreciated it. If anyone needs a lawyer, Tom Grace is the guy to go to. Very good job!
Types of Train Accident Cases We Handle
At Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, we handle all types of train accident cases. Whether you suffered injuries as a passenger, a railroad worker, a pedestrian, or another motorist, our legal team has the knowledge, skill, and resources to help you win. Most often, our firm handles cases involving:
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Train Accidents
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates one of the largest and busiest train systems in the country, serving millions of commuters each year. Unfortunately, accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including mechanical failure, operator negligence, or signal malfunctions. If you’ve been injured in a CTA train accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy has experience handling CTA-related injury cases, and we’ll make sure your rights are protected.
Metra Train Crashes
Metra trains serve the greater Chicago metropolitan area, providing vital transportation for thousands of commuters. Metra train crashes can occur due to equipment failure, conductor error, or poorly maintained tracks. These accidents often result in serious injuries, especially to passengers. If you’ve been injured in a Metra train crash, our skilled attorneys are here to help. We’ll investigate the cause of the accident, identify any responsible parties, and help you recover maximum compensation.
Amtrak Train Accidents
Amtrak trains travel across the country, providing long-distance service to passengers. However, accidents involving Amtrak trains can result in severe injuries, particularly when train collisions, derailments, or equipment failures occur. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another motorist involved in an accident with an Amtrak train, our legal team is ready to fight for your rights. We have experience handling complex Amtrak train accident cases, and we’re committed to securing the best outcome for you.
FELA Claims for Injured Railroad Workers
Railroad workers are at risk for a variety of injuries due to the hazardous nature of their work. Under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), railroad workers who are injured on the job have the right to seek compensation for their injuries, including medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a train accident while working for a railroad company, our firm can help you file a FELA claim. We understand the complexities of FELA law and will guide you through the process to ensure you recover the compensation you’re entitled to receive.
What Causes Train Accidents in Chicago?
One of our first tasks when taking a train accident case is to understand why it happened. One of our first tasks when taking a train accident case is to understand why it happened. Train accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving negligence, equipment failure, or dangerous conditions. Identifying the cause is critical to building a strong case and holding all responsible parties accountable. Some of the most common causes of train accidents in Chicago include:
Train conductors and engineers must remain alert and follow strict safety protocols. However, distractions, fatigue, inattention, or failure to follow speed limits can lead to dangerous accidents. Human error is one of the leading causes of train crashes, and when an operator’s negligence results in injuries, victims may have the right to pursue compensation.
Trains require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their safety. Malfunctioning brakes, signal failures, and defective tracks or switches can all lead to tragic crashes or derailments. If a train accident results from equipment failure, liability may fall on the train company, maintenance crews, or even the manufacturer of faulty parts.
Railroad companies are responsible for maintaining tracks in safe operating condition. Damaged rails, worn-out ties, and debris on the tracks can increase the risk of derailments and collisions. When companies fail to maintain their infrastructure properly, they can be held accountable for the injuries caused by preventable accidents.
Train signals and crossing gates are essential for preventing accidents. Malfunctioning signals, miscommunications between train operators and dispatchers, or failure to warn motorists and pedestrians at crossings can lead to catastrophic collisions. Our legal team investigates these failures to determine whether negligence played a role in the accident.
Railroad crossings are some of the most dangerous areas for train-related accidents. Inadequate warning systems, obstructed views, or reckless driving by motorists can all contribute to collisions. In cases where crossings lack proper safety measures, railroad companies or local agencies may be held liable for failing to prevent accidents.
Excessive speeds increase the likelihood of derailments, especially on curves or poorly maintained tracks. Trains traveling too fast may also struggle to stop in time to avoid collisions. Additionally, sudden stops can cause injuries to passengers and workers inside the train. If a train operator or company ignored speed regulations, they could be held responsible for any resulting harm.
By investigating the cause of a train accident, our attorneys at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy can determine who is liable and fight for the compensation our clients deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a train accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Railroad Worker Injuries
Individuals who work on railroads are often exposed to hazardous conditions, and these conditions can lead to many types of injuries or death. Catastrophic injuries are a common occurrence amongst railroad worker injuries, and there are many causes of railroad accident injuries, such as malfunctioning machines, collisions, explosions, or toxic chemicals. Some common injuries associated with railroad accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: These types of injuries can occur when a victim suffers a heavy or penetrating blow to the head. TBIs can range from mild to severe, and some can have life-long effects on a person’s basic functions.
- Amputations: In some instances, damages to a limb can be so severe that the only treatment is amputation. This has a life-long effect on a person’s abilities, and can lead to the need for a permanent caregiver.
- Broken Bones: Broken bones can range from a mild fracture to a severe shatter, and recovery time can vary depending on the severity of your injury. Broken bones hinder a person’s mobility and range of motion, thus limiting what they are capable of doing until the bone has healed.
- Scarring/Disfigurement: Scarring and disfigurement can lead a person to have low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and even life-long pain in the afflicted area. Scars and disfigurement can affect a person’s relationship with not only themselves, but their loved ones as well.
If you or a loved one have suffered harm because of your job working for the railroad company, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Naperville railroad accident attorneys today.
Call us at (312) 775-0042.
Common Carrier Laws
Trains, buses, and trams are classified as common carriers, meaning they are responsible for transporting passengers or goods for a fee. Unlike non-commercial vehicles, common carriers are subject to specific laws and regulations designed to ensure passenger safety. They are held to a higher standard of care, which includes adhering to strict inspection and maintenance requirements, conducting safety hazard checks, and providing thorough training for employees and operators. These measures are essential to maintaining safe and reliable transportation for all passengers.
Our law firm has represented many injured victims in cases involving common carriers that did not meet the standard of care that they owe their passengers. When you hire our attorneys, we take care of the legal process for you so you can focus on getting better. We understand that you might be suffering physically and mentally, and you need to focus on that rather than the inner workings of a lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Railroad Accidents
How Much Compensation Can I Get After a Railroad Accident?
The amount of compensation you receive in your railroad accident claim depends on the losses you’ve suffered because of the crash. There is no way to accurately predict what your settlement will be until all the evidence is gathered and gone over. Evidence such as medical expenses, lost wages, and your intangible losses will all be considered when determining how much compensation you should seek. In some cases, you may not get this initial amount, you could receive more, or less, depending on how your case goes.
Will My Railroad Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most railroad accident cases settle before going to trial. However, whether your case goes to court depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the willingness of the railroad company or insurer to offer a fair settlement.
At Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch, and Turcy, we aggressively negotiate on your behalf to secure maximum compensation without litigation. However, if the opposing party refuses to offer a fair settlement, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court. We will protect your rights and help you receive full and fair compensation for your losses.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Railroad Accident Attorney?
Hiring our train accident lawyers won’t cost you anything up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, and we offer free case reviews. You do not owe us for our services unless we win your case.
Call Our Naperville Railroad Accident Attorneys Today
Whether you suffered injuries as a railroad worker, a train passenger, or someone in another vehicle, or you lost a loved one in a train accident, call our attorneys for legal help right away. We’ll file your FELA claim, personal injury lawsuit, or wrongful death claim, and we will make sure the parties who caused your accident are held accountable. Call us at (312) 775-0042.
