Subway Injuries

A recent survey of subway injuries caused by being hit by an oncoming train reveals what actually happens when people are hit by the subways. The study, which was not affiliated with the transportation authority of the city, explored who is most at risk for severe subway injuries, why the accidents occur, and which preventative measures could be used to the greatest effect by subway agencies.

In a period from 1990 to 2003, half of the patients treated at the surveyed hospital went home right away. Surprisingly, less than half of the people hit by subways lost arms or legs. In these cases, the limbs were either cut off by the train itself or were mangled to the point that they could not be repaired.

There were 208 patients treated at one hospital for subway related injuries that involved being hit by the train. Of the 208, roughly 80% were male. The vast majority, 164 patients, did not lose any extremities during or after their encounter with the subway. Of the minority, the lost extremity varied from the loss of a single finger to the irreparable damage of an arm or leg. One patient lost all of the limbs. Of the 208 people injured, 20 died in the hospital from their wounds.

Between 2000 and 2003, there were 56 patients that were treated. Of those, 25 people were unemployed and one fourth of injuries were the result of suicide attempts.

The biggest pattern in subway injuries caused by collision with the train were unemployment and homelessness. If the economy was weak, there was an increase in the number of subway injuries. To prevent injuries, the easiest thing to do to prevent injuries is slow down. If a train were to enter a station at a slower rate, the individuals operating the trains would have more time to notice people on the tracks and stop before impact.

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured on a subway within the city of Chicago or elsewhere, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.