The family of Marin Lacson, a 17-year-old Barrington High School student who tragically lost her life after being struck by a Metra train on January 25, 2024, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in Cook County court, alleges that local authorities failed to protect pedestrians at the Hough Street railroad crossing where the incident occurred. This is a complicated case, involving multiple defendants. It’s not uncommon for entities as well as individuals to be liable for a wrongful death. If you have lost a loved one due to negligence like this, a Wheaton, IL, wrongful death lawyer can advise you of your legal options.
Lacson was crossing the Union Pacific tracks at the busy downtown Barrington crossing when she was hit by an inbound Metra train. The lawsuit claims that there were no adequate warnings at the crossing, despite the area having a history of pedestrian accidents. One such incident occurred in 2013 when 11-year-old Dominic Szymanski was struck by a train at the same crossing and lost his foot. Despite this, the lawsuit states that no engineering study or safety measures were ever implemented to prevent further accidents.
Attorney James Pullos, representing the Lacson family, emphasized that the accident was preventable. Lacson, he said, crossed the tracks after a train had passed, unaware that another train was coming from the opposite direction. The lawsuit also argues that the lack of pedestrian gates and warning systems, along with the absence of train horn signals in the “Quiet Zone,” contributed to the fatal accident.
The family holds Metra, Union Pacific, and the Village of Barrington responsible. They also claim that no action was taken to improve safety at the crossing despite previous incidents. Michael Lacson, Marin’s father, expressed his heartbreak and commitment to ensuring that this type of tragedy never happens again, stating that the lack of safety measures had devastated their family.
In response, Metra and Union Pacific expressed condolences but declined to comment on the lawsuit. The Village of Barrington has taken steps to improve safety, including placing monitors at crossings during school hours and working on a project to install pedestrian gates at key crossings.
Wrongful Death Lawyer Offers Insight Into Filing Wrongful Death Claims Against Government Entities
Filing a wrongful death claim against a government entity can be a complex and challenging process. A wrongful death lawyer can provide crucial guidance and insight for those seeking justice in cases where a government agency is responsible for a loved one’s death, whether due to negligence, misconduct, or unsafe conditions.
Government entities, including local, state, and federal agencies, enjoy certain immunities and legal protections that private individuals or companies do not. This means that filing a wrongful death claim against them often requires navigating a specialized legal framework. A wrongful death lawyer can help victims’ families understand these nuances and ensure their case is properly handled.
One of the first hurdles in pursuing a wrongful death claim against a government entity is the sovereign immunity doctrine. Sovereign immunity protects government agencies from being sued unless they have waived that immunity or the claim falls under specific exceptions. For instance, many states have a Tort Claims Act, which outlines procedures for filing claims against government entities and sets a time limit for filing, usually within 6 months to 2 years. A wrongful death lawyer can guide families on how to file a claim under these specific statutes.
Additionally, government agencies may have strict rules about filing, including detailed paperwork and specific procedural steps. A wrongful death lawyer can ensure that all deadlines are met and the necessary documents are submitted. They can also investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, whether it’s due to police misconduct, unsafe government-maintained roads, or medical negligence in government facilities.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a government entity, the insight and advice of a wrongful death attorney can significantly increase the likelihood of successfully holding a government entity accountable for the loss of a loved one. The attorneys at Therman Law Offices, LTD, can help you hold that entity accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.