Derailment caused injuries

According to news reports, 28 year old Renea Poppel was riding a Rock Island bound Metra train, Chicago’s train system, when it derailed while heading downtown. The accident killed two people, injured several others and caused Poppel to suffer severe brain damage. She is now confined to a wheelchair and requires round-the-clock care.

Illinois personal injury

Poppel brought a personal injury lawsuit against Metra in Illinois. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the accident and concluded that the train derailed after the engineer driver, Michael Smith, went through a 10 m.p.h. zone at 69 m.p.h. – even though signals were alerting him of the slower zone were operational. He has since been terminated by the company.

Poppel was awarded $29.5 million for her injuries. That amount includes $6 million for pain and suffering and $9 million for loss of normal life, which is the inability to pursue some of the more pleasurable aspects of life.

Although the verdict is final, Poppel had sought approximately $67 million in damages. However, Metra only offered approximately $17 million and the case went to trial. Luckily, Poppel hired experienced counsel who was able to prove both her physical and emotional injuries and collect nearly double the amount that Metra had offered.

Who’s on your side?

If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s in your best interests to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Chances are that the other side will be adequately represented. In this case, the defendant was only willing to pay a fraction of what was sought. Had the plaintiff hired an attorney who wasn’t willing to take the matter to trial, she would have ended up with a lot less than she was entitled to.

If you believe you might have a personal injury lawsuit, contact an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney to discuss your situation and evaluate your options. Consultations are free, without obligation and are strictly confidential.