On June 22, 2009, the Washington, D.C.-area Metro commuter train system suffered a blow when a crash killed nine and inflicted injuries on more than 80 additional passengers. Now, in a move that will likely presage many additional suits, the first personal injury lawsuits have been filed by passengers injured in the crash. Mother and daughter passengers Bernea Bell and Ivey Epps were on board the Red Line train 112 when it slammed into an idle train. The pair claim to have suffered significant injuries in the incident, and their suit lays blame on Metro officials for failing to inspect and regularly maintain the system’s brakes.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a vehicle crash? If so, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.
Showing posts with label commuter train. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commuter train. Show all posts
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
$29.5 Million Settlement Awarded in Chicago Brain Injury Case
On September 17, 2008, Illinois resident Renea Poppel had just settled into her normal morning commute when the train she was on ran off the tracks between Joliet and Chicago, injuring more than 100 passengers and killing two. Poppel sustained severe injuries in the derailment, including a broken pelvis, a broken neck, and severe brain damage.
Even after more than 20 surgeries, Poppel requires the use of a wheelchair and experiences ongoing sensory problems.
An investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board cited human error in the derailment, noting that an engineer did not properly slow the train before attempting to change tracks. The suggested speed for such a maneuver is approximately 10 miles per hour, while black box data indicate that the commuter train was traveling at an estimated 69 miles per hour.
A Cook County jury awarded Poppel $29.5 million in the case, citing her medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and future damages.
Have you or a family member sustained a traumatic injury? Let an experienced personal injury attorney walk you through your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.
Even after more than 20 surgeries, Poppel requires the use of a wheelchair and experiences ongoing sensory problems.
An investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board cited human error in the derailment, noting that an engineer did not properly slow the train before attempting to change tracks. The suggested speed for such a maneuver is approximately 10 miles per hour, while black box data indicate that the commuter train was traveling at an estimated 69 miles per hour.
A Cook County jury awarded Poppel $29.5 million in the case, citing her medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of normal life, and future damages.
Have you or a family member sustained a traumatic injury? Let an experienced personal injury attorney walk you through your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.
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