Blind Man Found Lying on Metro Tracks

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

If you would like more information, please contact William Lightfoot of Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Metro platforms should never be a place where train passengers risk falling onto the tracks. Many people blindingly jump on the tracks while others attempt suicide by jumping onto them. However, there should also be ample warning of the platform edge given for those who suffer disabilities. It’s important that all Metro platforms are equipped with warnings and that all precautions are taken to protect passengers.

A 48-year-old blind man was found lying atop a Red Line train track, after he had fallen from the platform, Metro stated. Authorities said the blind Rockville man tumbled to the tracks around 7:30 a.m. onto the path of a train headed toward Shady Grove. However, this is not the first victim with disabilities to accidentally slip from a train platform. Three other victims previously fell onto Metro tracks. The man was hospitalized shortly afterward.

Even though there were bumpy tiles installed at the station where the man fell, many individuals with disabilities have not been trained to use them. Better preventative measures like warning alarms for those who venture close to the platform edge can be taken for people with disabilities to ensure this type of incident does not happen in the future.

If you or a loved one suffers injuries or death from the negligence of a public transportation organization, please contact a qualified Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.