Trial Magazine

Norma Barbosa, 38, was employed by Northeastern Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corp. (Metra) as an interior coach cleaner. While cleaning cars at a Metra rail yard one morning, she slipped on a ballast rock as she walked on a paved walkway between train cars. She suffered an injury to her right ankle that required surgery. She missed approximately three months of work.

Barbosa sued Metra, alleging, among other things, failure to provide a reasonably safe workplace.

The jury awarded approximately $2.56 million.

Citation: Barbosa v. Metra, No. 20 L 7414 (Ill. Cir. Ct. Cook Cnty. June 12, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: Peter Higgins, Chicago.