What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive if I Have Been Involved in a Train Accident in Illinois?

If you have been involved and injured in a train accident, there are a couple key categories of damages to consider. Review this list and compare them to what you have experienced.

• Tangible Damages : You can recover any out-of-pocket losses the accident cost you in a lawsuit. This can include things such as medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. These are also known as compensatory damages and economic damages.


• Intangible Damages : Sometimes accidents harm you or reduce your quality of life in ways you cannot measure. These intangible injuries leave you with pain and suffering, disfigurements, disabilities, and other scars over your life. These are completely actionable in a lawsuit and you should be on the lookout for them after a train accident.


• Punitive Damages : If the defendant’s conduct was particular wanton or reckless, then the jury is entitled to award you punitive damages. They are designed to deter similar behavior in the future. While we might have some barometer by which to estimate tangible and even intangible damages, it is much harder to predict the amount of punitive damages that a jury will award. The important thing to remember, however, is to fight for them at trial.


• Wrongful Death and Survival Damages : If one of your loved ones died in a train accident, you can bring a wrongful death or survival action against the wrongdoers. This compensation is meant to fill the void that the decedent’s absence created. Generally, spouses, children, and parents are allowed to bring these actions and recover these damages.

This list just outlines the major categories of damages that might be available to you in a train accident case. If you contact us, we can explain to you exactly how the facts of your case interact with all relevant laws and give you a better picture of what recovery might be available.

“What is my train accident case worth?” This is a common line from people involved in such incidents. However, their focus should be on protecting their recovery instead of adding it all up. In order to hold onto the compensation that is rightfully yours, complete the following things as soon as possible after the train accident:

• Go to the emergency room and seek medical attention.


• Tell your boss that you will be absent from work and need income verification.


• Make a list of everything that you remember from the event including people present, weather conditions, and other relevant information.


• Contact a qualified personal injury attorney.

Naturally, this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you need to do after a train accident in order to obtain the compensation that you deserve. However, with the help of an experience lawyer, you can be assured that you will be able to complete every task efficiently and swiftly.