Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Carrier Case
Not Guilty
CTA train strikes intoxicated man on tracks
PLAINTIFF ASKED $15M
Not pictured: Anne M. Madormo
P laintiff entered the CTA Red Line train station while intoxicated around 12:15 am. After reaching the platform, Plaintiff walked to the edge of the platform and fell onto the train tracks. Plaintiff quickly pulled him- self back up onto the platform, where he remained for about ten minutes. After two trains entered and exited the station, Plaintiff walked to the edge of the platform again and fell onto the tracks where he remained motionless. Then, as a southbound train approached the station, the train operator saw a blurred object and applied full-service brakes. When the operator realized there was a person on the tracks, he applied the emergency brake, but the train did not stop in time and Plaintiff was struck. Plaintiff suffered traumatic injuries and is permanently disabled requiring around-the-clock nursing care. Testing showed his blood alcohol levels were above the legal limit. Plaintiff argued the train operator’s willful and wanton failure to brake caused the ac- cident. The parties stipulated Plaintiff was a trespasser and Defendant ar- gued they had no duty to a trespasser and Plaintiff was 100% at fault.
DEFENSE OFFER $100K
VERDICT Not Guilty
72 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2025 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
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