Passenger Injured By Commuter Train Accident

This case involves an injury sustained by a passenger during the day at an outdoor light rail station in Washington. The plaintiff alleges that the train was stopped when the plaintiff walked to enter it, at which point the plaintiff slipped and became trapped between the platform and the train car. Allegedly, the train’s conductor failed to notice that the passenger was stuck, and proceeded to pull out of the station. Her lower extremities sustained serious injuries in the process. The defense contends that the light rail car was moving while the plaintiff attempted to walk into the car. The plaintiff seeks an expert that can evaluate the situation and determine if the train car was stopped at the time of the accident.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1.) Please discuss your background evaluating injuries sustained from railway accidents.

2.) Are you able to determine if the train car was moving or stopped during the time of the accident?

3.) Have you ever served as an expert witness on a case similar to the one described above? If so, please explain.

Expert Witness Response E-007300

I've handled over 400 accident cases at this point, a number of which involved subway issues. I can look at the train's event recorder data, if any, to determine if the train actually stopped and for how long. We would have to rely on eyewitness testimony (or video footage, if any) to determine if the train was stopped at the time at which she attempted to board it. I have handled a couple of cases that involved passengers slipping between the platform and the train.