• Wrongful Death
• Cases
• Claims
• Damages
• Law
• Lawsuit
• Lawyers
• Settlement
• Types
• Wrongful Death Lawyer

Find a Lawyer in Your State

Need Help?

Submit your claim details for a free, no obligation case review.

Get Started:

A woman living in Illinois filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of her husband who was hit and killed by a train. Miki Schoate filed the lawsuit Oct. 22 against Union Pacific Railroad Company and two of its employees.

Schoate claims that her husband, James L. Traylor, was driving across a railroad crossing Oct. 26, 2006, when his car got stuck on the tracks. She claims his van became stuck due to the uneven surface of the tracks.

Couldn’t Get Off the Tracks on Time

According to the suit, with the help of people in another vehicle, Traylor attempted to get his car off the tracks, when a Union Pacific locomotive came barreling down the tracks at 60 miles per hour. Traylor, who was inside his vehicle jumped out, but it was too late.

The train smashed into his van, which flew into Traylor and killed him.

Wife Accused Train Employees of Negligence

Schoate claims that Traylor’s death was a result of the Union Pacific employees’ negligence, who according to the lawsuit:

• drove recklessly at dangerously high speeds
• failed to watch out for pedestrians or vehicles
• failed to sound the horn in an attempt to warn Traylor
• failed to maintain the tracks which resulting in Traylor’s vehicle being stuck

Seeking Compensation for Damages

Schoate claims that since the passing of her husband, she has lost substantial amounts of money in potential income and support. She also claims that she has incurred more than $5,000 in funeral and burial fees. She is seeking sums in excess of $100,000 in the wrongful death suit.

(Source: Madison St. Clair Record)

Filing Your Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Has someone you love died due to the negligence, recklessness or intentional harm of another person or entity? If so, contact us today to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who will help you get the compensation you need to cover both economic and emotional losses.

Our attorneys understand that losing a loved one can be difficult and emotional, especially if it could have been prevented. That is why we strive to make sure all liable parties are help accountable for their wrongdoing.