A pedestrian was killed after being hit by a train late last month in Morris, Illinois. The train hit the pedestrian, a 22-year-old man, as he crossed the railroad tracks about 200 feet from the Liberty Street crossing in downtown Morris, according to news reports. It was not clear in the news report whether a crossing gate was down at the time of the collision.

According to the county coroner's office, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident just after midnight. The details of the tragic event have not been released and according to news reports, the Morris police department and the county coroner's office are continuing to investigate the accident.

When pedestrians are injured or killed in a train accident due to the negligence of another, whether that accident is the result of company's failure to maintain equipment or a failure of the train conductor, the victim or the victim's family members are entitled to compensation for associated financial costs.

Train accidents can be caused by a number of negligent actions--on behalf of the train company, the city or county, or a third-party who is responsible for the tracks or crossing guard lights, among many others.

Of course, no amount of financial compensation can ever begin to make up for the sudden loss of a loved one. A wrongful death lawsuit, rather, is a way to hold a negligent party accountable and receive compensation for the financial impacts of such a sudden loss.

Source: Morris Daily Herald, "Pedestrian Killed by Train Identified," Christina Chapman, April 4, 2012