Chicago Man Awarded $135,000 CTA Train Derailment Verdict
A Chicago jury has awarded $135,000 to a man who says he sustained psychological injuries when a Chicago Transit Authority train derailed and a fire broke out on the Blue Line commuter line on July 11, 2006. The plaintiff, Eduardo Martinez, was riding in the train car that went off the tracks.
Some 1,000 people were on the CTA train at the time. 125 people were injured. Many were treated for minor cuts and bruises, smoke inhalation, and respiratory issues. Some of the victims were admitted to hospitals in critical or serious condition.
Martinez cites post-traumatic stress disorder as one of his psychological injuries. His CTA train accident lawyer says the verdict is acknowledgment by the jury that they understand the toll the Chicago train derailment continues to take on his client’s life. Less than a week after the 2006 incident, Martinez had to take the same train to work.
The National Transportation Safety Board said a weak safety program, hazardous track conditions that should have been corrected, and poor management were to be blamed for the Chicago, Ilinois train accident. The jury awarded Martinez $120,000 for pain and suffering, $14,000 for medical expenses, and $1,000 for lost wages.
Chicago Personal Injury
It is important to remember that emotional damage and mental trauma are also injuries. Emotional and mental injuries can last for years. The victim may have to undergo years of therapy and his or her ability to live a normal life may be impaired.
If you or someone you love was injured in or traumatized by an accident that was caused by someone else caused, you may have grounds for suing the responsible parties for Chicago personal injury.
$135,000 For Passenger In 2006 CTA Derailment, WBBM Newsradio 780, December 15, 2009
CTA Fire, Derailment Forces Blue Line Evacuation, CBS2Chicago, July 11, 2009
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