Brain Injury Attorney Blog

The husband of a woman who died in a Rockford train derailment in 2009 was awarded $22.5 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit against three railroad companies, officials announced this week. Jose Tellez, 40, was with his wife Zoila and their daughter on June 19, 2009 when a Canadian National Railway Company train with 114 cars including 74 tankers filled with ethanol derailed as it travelled from Freeport to Chicago, according to a press release issued by Corboy and Demetrio, lawyers for the man. That case was settled before trial, officials said.

Zoila Tellez, 44, pf Rockford, was killed as she ran from their car while on fire from the explosions that resulted after the derailment, according to the lawyers. Jose Tellez also was badly burned as he tried to flee for safety. The family was waiting for the train to pass when 18 cars containing two million gallons of ethanol derailed nearby at a washout a few yards west of the intersection and caused the explosion and "massive fire ball" which engulfed the family's car, according to the law suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.

In addition to the settlement for Jose Tellez, the couple's 19-year-old daughter who was in the car at the time was awarded $13.75 million for injuries she sustained. The woman was about 6 1/2 months pregnant at the time and lost the baby as a result of her injuries. Her case, which was represented by the Joseph Parente Law firm was settled during jury deliberations, officials said.

In the wrongful death suit, filed against the Canadian National Railway Company, plaintiffs alleged that it was negligent in the operation, maintenance and supervision of the train. The suit also claimed the company was negligent in the maintenance and inspection of the railroad track. Along with the Canadian company, the suit also named its subsidiary companies, the Illinois Central Railroad Company and the Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad Company as defendants.

Applying the law can be complicated, and the best way to be sure you are protecting your rights is to consult with a wrongful death lawyer who is experienced in your state. If you feel that you have a valid claim for the wrongful death of a family member, you should consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney in your area. Hiring a good wrongful death lawyer is very important when tragedy strikes. Call one of the Myrtle Beach wrongful death lawyers at The Mace Firm for a free consultation.