Children and electrocution train accidents

Train accidents that pose a particular risk to children are those that involve electrocution. These are much more common than many people are aware and most frequently happen when young people play on and around electrified rails.

Although, in days gone by, the image of children playing near rails - just think of Huckleberry Fin, Tom Sawyer or The Railway Children - was often an idealised one of long summer months spent idling the days away by iconic and dream-inspiring tracks, the fact that we no longer live in the steam age means that in addition to the risk of train accidents involving trains themselves is the risk of electrocution by live wires.

And it turns out that the electrocution risk of rail lines is rather different from the domestic electrocution risks we are more familiar with.

Sgt Derek Bish, of British Transport Police, comments, "People need to understand being electrocuted on a live rail is not like a household electrocution.
"The rail acts like a magnet, your clothes catch fire and then your body burns."

While a coroner who headed the inquest into the tragic death of a 16-year-old boy who died while playfighting at railway station in the UK in 2007 issues the following warning, "I don't need to advise anybody how dangerous it can be to play around live voltage railway lines."

And the deceased boy's mother believes that children need to be better educated about the risks, "Children should be more aware of the fact that if you mess about on train tracks, you could die."

While it is unusual that accidents of this nature will lead to payouts of personal injury compensation, if barriers are not erected in proper places, signs not displayed warning of the dangers, or trip and slip hazards lead to incidents occurring, a personal injury lawyer may very well be able to mount a successful case.

No win, no fee solicitors of national reputation
Railways, although for the most part safe and well maintained, contain many potential hazards, which, if not properly controlled and managed, can lead to personal injury in many ways.

Whether you have suffered injury while traveling as a passenger in a carriage, on the platform of a station, in a concourse, or while near the rails, if you believe that the causes of the accident may rest with another party you could be entitled to receive accident compensation.

YouClaim's no win, no fee solicitors are experts in claims involving railways and can quickly help you establish whether you have a good chance of receiving damages.

All work under the governance of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and all work on a cost-free basis when representing a train accident claim - going beyond their simplified description as "no win, no fee".

We ensure the process remains cost-free by not charging you any costs ourselves, protecting you from those incurred by the defendant side, and always delivering on 100% compensation promise - meaning we never take any cuts.

To get in touch with us today - either to receive obligation-free legal advice or commence your claim immediately - fill out this page's claim form, use its echat service, or call a legal advisor now on 0800 10 757 95.