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Railroad Accident

Chicago Railroad Accident Lawyers

Have You Suffered from a Train Accident in Chicago?

Chicago’s rail system is expansive and active. A number of different trains move through and around Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Metra trains, and Amtrak. Trains make about 2,145 trips each day and serve 143 stations. For commuters in the surrounding suburbs, Metra transports approximately 301,200 riders each weekday and approximately 121,800 riders on weekends.

Unfortunately, railroad accidents often result in devastating injuries and even deaths due to the sheer size of the trains and the speeds at which they travel. Railroad deaths totaled 907 in 2019 and nonfatal injuries totaled 7.867, illustrating the severity and pervasiveness of these incidents. As such, our Chicago railroad accident attorneys at Cogan & Power, P.C. represent victims who suffered injuries or death in train accidents involving negligence or wrongdoings. Clients trust us to put our considerable experience, skill, and knowledge to work to get them the compensation that they deserve.

Get started on your claim today. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or at (312) 477-2500!

Key Factors Leading to Railroad Accidents

Many internal and external factors can lead to train accidents, and when negligence or wrongdoings play a role, victims have a chance at obtaining compensation for their injuries. That being said, train accidents can occur for several reasons such as:

  • Train derailments
  • Defective equipment
  • Poor maintenance of the track
  • Collisions with other trains
  • Fatigued operators
  • Railroad crossing accidents
  • Infrastructure
  • Collisions with cars or trucks
  • Collisions with pedestrians
  • Inexperienced train operators and employees

Compensation Options in Railroad Accident Lawsuits

Given the size and nature of trains, railroad accidents often involve catastrophic injuries and death. While the amount of compensation that a person receives depends on the extent of the injuries and the cause of the accident, victims of personal injury accidents may be entitled to compensatory damages, including:

  • Medical bills
  • Property damages
  • Disfigurement
  • Disability
  • Loss of normal life
  • Funeral expenses
  • Loss of future income and benefits
  • Loss of future inheritance
  • Loss of spousal companionship, protection, and care
  • Grief, sorrow, and mental suffering of surviving spouse and next of kin
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damage (if the defendant’s actions were intentional)
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  • Ron Pasquarella, Investigator

    Ron brings extensive experience to the Cogan & Power FELA team. Ron started his railroad career as a trackman with the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad after serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. Ron worked as a machinist and then a locomotive engineer until his retirement. Ron was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainman (BLET), Division 682, and held various executive rolls in the union including Secretary, Treasurer, Local Chairman, and General Chairman. Ron’s thirty years of experience as a railroader and twenty years’ experience in union administration provide invaluable insight. Ron has extensive knowledge of railroad rules, union agreements, investigative procedures, and railroaders’ rights. Ron’s knowledge is utilized by the FELA team to maximize recovery for its clients.

  • John Grob, Investigator
    John Grob has more than thirty years experience as an investigator. He has worked with hundreds of railroaders and their families. John works closely with injured workers and families to help them navigate the frightening, emotional, and confusing situation of being injured on the railroad. He has assisted the most severely injured including those suffering loss of limbs, paralysis, brain injury, and death. John’s success comes in part from his own experience on the railroad. John started his railroad career in 1976. He worked on the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. He also held office with the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) for twelve years. John has extensive knowledge in operating and non-operating craft agreements. John is familiar with all aspects of disability and pension matters for railroad workers. John works closely with our clients to ensure they receive all the benefits to which they are entitled. John’s knowledge of the railroad and his unwavering commitment to Cogan &
  • Brett Hobbs, Investigator
    Brett Hobbs joined Cogan & Power as an investigator after experiencing a career ending injury on the railroad. Brett knows firsthand how difficult it is to suffer an injury on the railroad. Brett is a prior client of Cogan & Power and has firsthand knowledge of the hard work, support, and excellent results of the FELA team. Having benefited from Cogan & Power’s efforts he wanted to be part of the team. Brett has twenty-two years of railroad experience as a conductor and locomotive engineer on the Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railroad and Canadian National Railway. He also spent seventeen years as Local Chairman and General Chairman for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainman (BLET) where he negotiated several collective bargaining agreements, represented workers in hundreds of disciplinary hearings and arbitrations, and negotiated the labor rosters following a railroad merger. Brett is a past winner of Canadian National Railway’s President’s award. Brett brings his yea

Hear From Our Happy Clients

    "Excellent Attorneys and even better Humans!"
    John Power and Tom Murphy are excellent attorneys and even better human beings. Both were there every step of the way guiding us through a very difficult and traumatic process. The hard work and dedication of John, Tom, and the entire Cogan and Power team, make it easier for us to heal and hope for better days. We are forever grateful for the outcome.
    - Anita Davis
    "The outcome of my case has forever changed my life. Sara is a smiling face that has a lioness’s toughness that works hard for her clients!"
    Sara Davis truly made my traumatic experience so much easier to deal with. She communicated with me throughout my case to ensure I was up to speed and provided me the next steps to come. Sara was extremely personable, informative and well prepared! She never made me feel as if she was too busy to answer my calls. The outcome of my case has forever changed my life. Sara is a smiling face that has a lioness’s toughness that works hard for her clients! Thanks Sara and team for enhancing my life with the outcome of my case!
    - Lakitsha L.
    "Great communication, quick responses, informed every step of the way. 10/10."

    Great communication, quick responses, informed every step of the way. 10/10.

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    "I had highly recommend Sara Davis and Cogan and Power. Sara goes over and beyond for her clients."
    I had highly recommend Sara Davis and Cogan and Power. Sara goes over and beyond for her clients.
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    "Best lawyers. They really look out for you and your family."
    Best lawyers. They really look out for you and your family.
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    "I can not speak highly enough"

    I can not speak highly enough for the experience I have received from Cogan & Power Attorneys at Law. I was introduced to John Power through a mural friend. I was impressed from the very first phone call with John Power to us meeting through the pandemic. His professionalism and his medical knowledge is unbelievable… I have to say from that day moving forward John Power, Sara Davis and Kim Stefanek all put me at ease. My cases lasted just about 3 years and I was notified every step of the way on what was going forward and keeping me in the loop. John and Sara made sure that I was ready and comfortable for my Deposition, they made sure every stone was unturned! Kim Stefanek is one of their paralegals and she is awesome. I can go and I highly recommend Cogan & Power for your legal issues. John Power & Sara Davis are amazing attorneys and exceptional, caring, compassionate people!!

    - Beatrice H.
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    I highly recommend Cogan and Powers because the firm is made up of highly qualified trial lawyers that care about people.

    - Gary N.

    What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

    Cogan & Power is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

    • Collaborative Approach to Legal Representation
    • Invested in Your Overall Well-Being
    • If You Can't Come to Us, We Will Come To You
    • You'll Communicate Directly With Our Partners
    • Record-Setting Achievements Recovering Millions for Our Clients
    • Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
    Contact Our Skilled Chicago Attorneys Today
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