Two People Injured In Chicago Electrocution Accident At Train Station

Unsafe Premises - August 17, 2023

Two Lollapalooza Attendees Injured In Chicago’s Oak Park After Being Electrocuted By Third Rail at Chicago Transit Authority’s Ridgeland Green Line Station

Two People Injured In Chicago Electrocution Accident At Train Station

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (August 17, 2023) – Two Lollapalooza-goers were injured at Chicago train station after being electrocuted by an energized third rail.

Cook County officials are saying that the accident took place on August 5th in Chicago’s Oak Park. One of the victims may have been attempting to take a selfie when they came into contact with an energized third rail.

The second victim was attempting to help her friend when she was electrocuted as well. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victims.

The male victim went into cardiac arrest at the scene and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. A female patient was also taken to the hospital with less severe injuries.

A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Chicago Transit Authority Electrocution Accidents

Thousands of people are killed or seriously injured every year in electrocution accidents. According to the National Institutes of Health, “In the United States, there are approximately 1000 deaths per year, as a result of electrical injuries. Of these, approximately 400 are due to high-voltage electrical injuries, and lightning causes 50 to 300.” There are a number of common causes of electrocution accidents.

  • Faulty appliances
  • Downed powerlines
  • Incorrect or damaged electrical wiring
  • A lack of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GCIFs)

Depending on the facts of any case, the Chicago Transit Authority could be liable if someone is electrocuted on their premises. Pursuant to Illinois Civil Code (740 ILCS 130/1), property owners must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition. When a property owner is made aware of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action to remedy the condition. Property owners must also warn about the latent dangers on their premises, including locations and objects that may be energized.

Electrocutions involving the Chicago Transit Authority rail system are often preventable. Ronald Jacob, an engineering consultant on rapid transit safety, has testified in a previous lawsuit that the CTA should install covers over the electrified rail. He said that placing these covers would not be difficult and could be done without moving the rail. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any electrocution involving the Chicago Transit Authority.

  • Maintenance records for the track where the accident took place should be examined.
  • The location of any CTA electrocution should be understood.
  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • A thorough investigation should be conducted.

Victims  of electrical accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries. An electrocution can cause massive internal damage to a person’s organs. It can also lead to lasting neurological injuries. Any person that is electrocuted by the CTA rail system may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Sadly, though, the CTA will often fight hard to deny liability if any person is injured on their premises. This is why it is important that evidence is properly preserved after any accident.

Investigating Chicago Transit Authority Electrocution Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the two Lollapalooza-goers injured in this accident. It is our sincere hope that they will be able to make a full recovery. The CTA should implement measures to prevent other accidents like this in the future.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Chicago electrocution accident? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of electrocution accident attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they are entitled to. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.