Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Any time there is a swimming pool near a day care center - there is great danger. Because of this, it is vital that all swimming pool owners including schools and day care centers put proper precautions in place to prevent children from wandering into pool areas. A drowning can take place in even shallow water and seconds matter when a child is left alone or unattended in or near a swimming pool area.

When a child suffers personal injuries as a result of a drowning, it can be helpful to have the services of a Child Injury Attorney to advise the family regarding the legal rights of the injured child and the parents. There often times are issues involving medical bills, medical treatment, pain, suffering, and related damages. Contact a Child Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know - has chapters on Swimming Pools and Aquatic Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topcis. Get this book for free at The ABCs of Child Injury.

When a day care center has a swimming pool, there are a number of safety measures that can be put into place:

1. Door Alarms. Have a door alarm in place for all doors leading to the swimming pool area.

2. Pool Fence. Make sure that there is a secure barrier (pool fence) around the pool.

3. Screen Enclosure. A screen enclosure, in addition to the pool fence, can serve as yet another barrier around the pool.

4. Supervision. In addition to the above structures, it is vital that there is supervision of the children so that they do not wander into the pool area.

Of course, the above list is not an exhaustive one but one to keep in mind when there is a swimming pool in or near a day care center. The safety of children is important any time that there is a swimming pool in the area.

A drowning was reported in Aurora, Ilinois. The incident took place at a day care center that had an above ground pool at the home. It was reported that Abigail Holland was later pronounced dead at Rush Copley Medical Center. Following the drowning, Tracy Kennedy was charged with the crime of endangering the life of a child and operating a day care center without a license.

When Kennedy discovered the child in the pool, paramedics were contacted and rushed to the home day care center. Efforts to save the child who drowned were tragically unsuccessful. The death of this child is certainly a great loss for the family, neighborhood, and the community. See Criminal Charges Result from Child Drowning at a Day Care Center.

By David M. Baum, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

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An unfortunate and tragic automobile accident took place in near Belleview, Illinois. It was reported that a child care giver was rushing a child to a hospital after the child suffered a facial injury at the home. During the automobile trip to the hospital, the driver lost control of the vehicle and drove into a lane of oncoming traffic. The child was ejected from the driver's side of the vehicle. It was reported that the child had been sitting on the lap of a passenger rather than secured by a seat belt and / or approved child seat. See 3 Year Old Child Dies in Illinois Automobile Accident.

In Illinois and other States, parents, babysitters, child care providers, and day care providers are faced with emergency situations every day. When faced with an emergency situation, it is important for the child care provider / adult to remain calm and do their best to keep the child safe and calm. Otherwise, additional injuries can result.

By David M. Baum, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Hazing is an unfortunate act that still continues to take place in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and yes, even colleges and universities. In Quincy, Illinois, a hazing incident reportedly took place at Flinn Stadium by some Junior High / Middle School Students. The Quincy Report reported that the hazing incident involved student athletes who were the same gender and same age. Often times, students believe that an act is acceptable if it is a rite of passage. Hazing in any form should not be tolerated by school systems or law enforcement. Just because something has taken place in the past does not in any way give it legitimacy. Hazing is a crime - plain and simple. Of course, with any criminal prosecution, the case must be proven by prosecutors beyond a reasonable doubt and the intent of the criminal Defendant does play a role in the prosecution and defense of the case. The criminal Defendants are entitled to the services of a criminal defense attorney or the services of the local Public Defender's office. See Quincy Junior High Students Charged with Hazing in Illinois.

By David M. Baum, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In today’s 24/7 world, staying connected is no longer an option, it is a necessity. The use of text messaging, also referred to as “texting,” has dramatically increased over the last three years. There is no doubt that texting has increasingly become the way most people communicate today. For many, the need to quickly read and respond, even from behind the wheel of a moving vehicle can be tempting. However, the act of texting and driving is dangerous.

Texting was a cause of an automobile accident, which resulted in critical personal injuries to a woman and child in Plymouth, Illinois. According to authorities, Brett A. VanFleet, 25-yearsold, was headed southbound in a 2009 GMC Sierra on Highway 61 just south of Plymouth. He took his eyes off the road because he was sending a text message on his cell phone, according to reports. VanFleet’s truck crossed the center lane and collided head-on with a 1998 Chevy Malibu driven by Brittany A. Ramirez, 22- years-old; passengers in her vehicle included 32-year old Dorothy K. Cook, 10-year-old Kiara Cook, eight-year-old Melanie Cook, and four-year-old Javier Ramirez. Reports said that Brittany Ramitez and Melanie Cook sustained critical personal injuries and were taken to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield for treatment. Kiara Cook suffered serious personal injuries and was taken to Blessing Hospital in Quincy, along with Dorothy Cook and Javier Ramirez who suffered minor personal injuries. VanFleet was issued citations for reckless driving, texting while driving, improper lane usage and failure to wear a safety belt as a result of the Illinois automobile accident.

Take out your cell phone and read out loud the last text message you received. Would reading or responding to that message from behind the wheel of a vehicle be worth the risk of getting into a car accident or worse? The answer is NO - The text message could wait. For more information on this topic, see texting crash causes injuries to woman and children.

By David M. Baum, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Chicago, Illinois, an eight-year-old girl was tragically killed in a hit and run automobile/ pedestrian accident. Mariela Crisostomo was riding her bike outside her house in the neighborhood when she was hit by a gray or silver SUV. The incident occurred in the 3300 block of West 62nd Place. She was taken to the Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was sadly pronounced dead. According to witnesses, the SUV was driven by a female with a passenger in the front seat. Unfortunately, the witnesses were not able to record the license plate number. The neighborhood residents said that heavy traffic has been an ongoing problem. They have requested the city to install speed bumps or make their street a cul-de-sac, but no action has taken place.

In most cases, the majority of speeders on residential streets are residents themselves in the neighborhood. This has been confirmed through local Police Departments that check addresses of motorists who were cited for speeding. As such, one of the most effective ways to reduce speeding on residential roads is through neighborhood involvement. The best way to raise awareness of speeding issues is through circulating a neighborhood newsletter. In addition to the newsletter, posting speed limit reminder signs around the neighborhood will also raise awareness.

For more information on this topic, see 8-year-old girl killed by hit and run driver.

By David M. Baum, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In one year alone, over one million children will become victims of some sort of child abuse and neglect in this country. An abused child is generally considered to be: "a child whose physical or mental health is harmed or threatened with harm, or by the acts of omission of a person responsible for his/her welfare."

In Rockford, Illinois a day care worker was charged with sexually assaulting children while working at Tiny Tots Daycare on Chateau Lane. The perpetrator, Kevin Yates, 56 was charged with two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, three counts of criminal sexual assault and nine counts of criminal sexual abuse. The known victims are a five-year-old and a teenager, but it is believed that more children might be involved. Yates had been working at the day care center in Illinois since 2005, which the Department of Children and Family Services recently shut down. The current charges cover a span of two years. Yates is being held in the Winnebago County Jail on a one million dollar bond and is expected to appear in court on June 9, 2011.

Although the majority of dare care centers in the United States are provided by responsible and trustworthy establishments, abuse and neglect in these environments still can occur. As such, it is important to have policies and practices to protect children in their care. For example, an Illinois child care centers should have thorough and comprehensive hiring procedures and should observe how a prospective employee interacts with children. Employees that distance themselves from the children instead of interacting with them or yell at the children are likely to be inappropriate care takers. In addition, employers should also require references and criminal background checks for prospective employees. For more information on this topic, see man accused of sexual assaults at Rockford day care.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Illinois and other States, children are placed in day care centers by their parents with the hope and expectation that the children are provided a safe and healthy environment to learn, play, and rest. Unfortunately, thousands of children are abused and neglected every year in day care centers across Illinois and other States. Some children suffer lifelong permanent personal injuries and other children even die as a result of negligence, abuse, and / or neglect in a day care center. When a child is seriously injured or dies as a result of poor care or abuse in a day care center, a parent also suffers due to the death or injury of the child. There is no greater pain to a parent than the loss of or injury to a child due to an unexpected accident or because of the negligence of another person or day care center. Children are expected to outlive their parents not die at such a young age for no reason at all. In Springfield, Illinois, it was reported that a day care center operator (Cammie Kelly) was arrested and charged with first degree murder for the death of a child who was under the care of the Kelly and the day care center. The incident took place in January 2011 when Kaiden M. Gullidge (11 months old) was taken to a local hospital (St. John's Hospital) after being observed to be unresponsive. An autopsy later revealed that the the cause of death of the boy was blunt force trauma. A case of this nature will hinge on witness statements and the forensic evidence uncovered at the autopsy. The timing of the injury will be an important issue to address during the criminal prosecution. The defendant will be entitled to the services of an Illinois criminal defense lawyer or the services of the local public defender's office. An arrest does not automatically mean that there will be a plea deal or a conviction but it appears that investigators and the prosecutor's office believe there is enough evidence to pursue this case for the tragic death of this small child. For more information, see Daycare Operator Charged with Murder for Death of Child in Illinois Daycare Center.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Recently, a bill was passed by the Illinois Senate, 42-2, that would ban teenagers convicted of rape or kidnapping from schools, public parks and day care centers, as well as join the list of sex offenders. Specifically, the bill would prohibit teenage sex offenders from coming within 500 feet of a school building or park. The bill also establishes a 100-foot barrier for juvenile offenders at school bus stops and forbids them from working at a day care center. However, ten years after completion of their sentences, convicted juvenile offenders are permitted to file for a waiver to be relinquished from the various restrictions, but only after a court ruling. Critics of the bill argue the current law, which allows judges to determine how to handle juvenile sex offenders on a case-by-case basis, is the best solution. Critics also argue that several treatment programs are in existence and these programs have a successful track record of stopping repeat offenses. However advocates of the bill argue this type of law is absolutely necessary to stop incidents like Victoria Larsen from happening. In 1979, Victoria was murdered and brutally sexually abused by a 15-year-old. For more read Illinois passes bill banning teenage sex offenders from schools, public parks and day care centers.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Chicago, Illinois, the life of a 3 year old boy ended at an amusement park in Chicago, Illinois. The boy was riding a roller coaster called the Python Pit when some how he slipped under the safety bar and fell off the ride near Norridge, Illinois. The Go Bananas Amusement Park was the site of the incident which was investigated by the police department. Interestingly enough, the boy's twin brother did not fall off of the ride. See Boy Dies After Fall from Chicago Roller Coaster.

What are the safety and inspection requirements for amusement parks in Illinois? What agency regulations amusement parks in Illinois? What were the particular safety requirements or safety regulations for this particular ride? These are all excellent and pertinent questions to the tragedy at hand. Amusement Parks are regulated by the State of Illinois - Department of Labor pursuant to Carnival and Amusement Parks Safety Act. Pursuant to this law, amusement and carnival rides like the Python Pit Roller Coaster must submit an application for the ride for inspection and be inspected at least once a year. Documentation is required for the ride and all employees or operators of the ride as to background and training to operate the ride. See more information regarding Illinois Laws and Regulations of Amusement Park Rides at the Official Website for the State of Illinois Department of Labor.

Compliance with the State laws and regulations is vital to the safety of children who ride the roller coaster but compliance with the State laws and regulations will not serve as an absolute shield against liability for accidents and injuries. An investigation can be conducted by local, state and federal agencies as to the actual safety or hazards of the ride beyond the State regulations. In addition, the family can hire a private investigation, engineer, and, yes, an attorney to help coordinate these efforts. The manufacturer and distributor of the Roller Coaster ride may be held liable if it is determined that there was a design defect in the way in which the safety bar and / or seat belts (if any) functioned. Furthermore, it may be determined the the minimal safe height for a rider was miscalculated or not followed.

Children should be able to ride an amusement park ride in this day and age and be safe. The most important aspect of each and every ride should be the safety of a child. Dealing with the loss or injury of a child as a result of the negligence of an amusement park or theme park owner and operator can be very difficult for parents. Parents will need the support of family, friends, the neighborhood, and the community when tragedy strikes. There are many questions to answer and many of which cannot be answered at all. For those questions that can be answered, the book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Needs to Know - has chapters on Amusement and Theme Park Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. While the book is not a substitute for legal representation and does not purport to answer every question on every topic, it is a good start for parents dealing with the challenges of a child injury. You can receive a free copy of this child injury book by clicking here.

The book is also available on Amazon.Com and BarnesandNoble.Com.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

After being interrogated for almost 10 hours, Melissa Calusinski confessed to fatally slamming a toddler on the ground at the Lincolnshire, Illinois, day care center where she worked. Despite confessing, the 24-year-old day care worker pleaded not guilty to first degree murder of the death 16-month-old Benjamin Kingan. The fatal confrontation occurred back in January 2009. The tapes show Calusinski vehemently dying having anything to do with or know what caused Benjamin's death at first. After almost 4 hours into the questioning, Calusinski suggested that Benjamin could have caused his own fatal injuries after he violently threw himself backwark to the floor, audibly hitting his head. She changed her story again and told interrogators that it may have something to do with the fact that the toddler hit his head while she was removing him from a chair. Finally, Calusinski admitted to interrogators that "the kids were driving [her] up the wall." Finally, she admitted to throwing Benjamin to the floor. The judge in the case is expected to rule on whether or not to suppress the video-taped confession. If you would like to read more on this story please see Day care worker confesses during videotaped interrogation to fatally slamming 16-month-old toddler.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A 27-year-old teacher at Plainfiled North High School in Illinois is accused of having sex with a 16-year-old male student at the high school. The teacher was identified as Ashley Blumenshine. She was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault. Blumenshine was described by former her students as an outstanding teacher. She taught physical education and dance. The two were caught by police in a parking lot behind a Kohl's department store. According to police, a Plainfield officer noticed two cars suspiciously parked outside the department store - one was empty while the other had two people inside. After the officer approached the occupied car, the teen was in the back seat with only half his clothes on. Both the student and Blumenshine were taken into custody. Blumenshine allegedly had sex with the student in the parked care. Blumenshine's duties have been taken over by a substitute at the high school. If convicted she could face probation or 3-7 years in prison. As part of her bond agreement, Blumenshine is not allowed to have contact with anyone under the age of 18-years-old with the exception of family members. If you would like to read more on this topic please see Illinois high school teacher accused of having sex with 16-year-old student.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

An unfortunate drowning death occurred in Lake Michigan recently. I twas reported that Michael Hilling, age 19 from Rock, Michigan, went into the water to retrieve his girlfriend's water bottle that had fallen into the lake. The incident took place as Hilling and his girlfriend were watching a fireworks celebration just after midnight to bring in the New Year. The simple act or gesture of getting a water bottle lead to this young man's death. There is a danger or risk of drowning for any child or adult that goes into a lake or other water way. The depth of the water, temperature of the water, time of day / night, and other factors can contribute to the risks when a person jumps into a water. While most think that only children are at high risk for drowning, the risk really applies to everybody - young or old and everybody in between. You can read more about this story at Teen Dies After Jumping into Lake Michigan.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A lawsuit over an incident occurring in 2004 has finally been settled. The family of Anthony Flott, now 7-years-old, brought the lawsuit on the Anthony's behalf after he was dropped and hit his head at a Sleepers to Sneakers day care center. Anthony was 5-months old when the incident occurred. A caregiver was holding the baby when he slipped out of the caregiver's arms and hit his head on a concrete floor. Anthony's mother, Vicki Hodges, says she was not informed about the incident and later that night she had trouble waking him for a feeding. Hodges took her son to a hospital where doctors discovered the infant needed emergency brain surgery.

Chippewa County Judge Jim Isaacson has approved a settlement of $775,000 for the family of Anthony Flott. If you would like to read more on this story please see >2004 lawsuit over baby dropped at a daycare finally settles.

It is imperative that day care employees understand their responsibilities as child care providers. When an incident occurs and a child is injured or likely to have sustained injury, day care providers and employees have duty to inform the child's parent. Failing to inform a parent about incidents regarding their child's health and well-being is neglectful and increases the chance that the child will sustain permanent injury.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A recent study conducted at the University of Chicago revealed that children with brain injuries may have difficulty developing story-telling skills. It is estimated that 1 in 4,000 children suffer from pre- or perinatal brain lesions, a brain injury with risk factors involving both mothers and babies. In the study, which was reported in the recent issue of Developmental Science, children with brain injuries were compared with children with normal development. Each group was asked to tell a story after given a situation with a suggestive narrative. For example, "Once there was a little boy named Alan who had many different kinds of toys." The children were prompted with questions like "Anything else?" until the children said they were done. The study found that the children with brain injuries told shorter and less complex narratives compared to the children with the typical developing children. However, each group had similar vocabulary and sentence comprehension abilities. Researches suggested the reason for the shorter and less complex narratives is that storytelling requires flexibility in word use and, therefore, may be more vulnerable to to developmental delays.

Other research has shown that a child's storytelling abilities may potentially be boosted if he or she is engaged in conservations around narratives. Parents of a child with brain injuries should closely observe the development of their child's storytelling abilities during the child's preschool years. If you would like to read more on this story see Research suggests developmental delays may affect storytelling abilities in children.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Naperville, Illinois, Jose Luviano was sentenced to 13 years in prison for molesting children in a day care center operated by his wife. It is most disturbing that children were abused and neglected a the very place, a day care center, that the children were supposed to receive care, education, and proper supervision. Mr. Luviano admitted to the allegations and a plea deal was reached with prosecutors regarding the criminal sexual molestation charges.

Parents should inquire about the day care staff and anyone in the home day care or child care center who may have contact with the children. People running day care centers should not allow anyone to have contact with the children who have a prior or current problem like Mr. Luviano.

You can read more about this story at Prison Sentence Given to Child Molester at Illinois Day Care Center.

If you have had a child neglected or the victim of abuse at a child care center or day care center, contact a Child Injury Lawyer for advise, consultation, and representation. A child has legal rights that should be enforced when the child has been subject to neglect, abuse, or other negligent acts causes physical and / or psychological personal injuries.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A minivan carrying six passengers recently blew a tire while travelling on the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago, Illinois. The minivan spun out of control and slammed into a semi truck trailer. A nine year old girl, a thirteen year old boy, and an adult were ejected from the minivan when it crashed. None of the three were wearing a seatbelt. All three were taken to the hospital and are in critical condition.

The other passengers, two adults and a third child, were wearing seatbelts and were not ejected from the vehicle on impact. The third child was taken to the hospital as well; her condition was not released. According to Chicago police, no citations have been issued in the accident yet.

Many people feel that laws about seat belt use in cars infringe on their personal freedom, but safety belts save lives. Child seat belt and child safety seat laws exist to protect children when they are travelling in automobiles. As a driver, you are responsible to know the laws in your state for securing children, and to ensure that they are properly belted in or in a properly secured child safety seat before getting behind the wheel. Laws also exist that spell out what responsibilities adults have in regard to their own safety belts. These laws need to be followed as well.

Read more about this unfortunate accident that injured three children at 2 children, 1 adult hurt after ejection from spun-out minivan.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Legislators in the State of Illinois are attempting to make the roads a little safer in Illinois by passing a ban on texting while driving law. It is not against Illinois law to drive while texting, checking e mail, updating Facebook, or otherwise surfing the Internet on handheld devices, mobile phones, and computers. There have been a great number of accidents attributed to distracted driving caused by these activities. The new laws make sense and should discourage many drivers from engaging in such acts. Of course, there have been driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence laws in effect for years; yet, people still drink and drive. Tragically, personal injuries continue to occur as a result of drinking and driving. While the new Illinois law will not completely eradicate texting while driving and other dangerous acts while driving, the new laws should reduce the incidents of such acts. The law should be a deterrent to drivers in the State of Illinois especially if the law is properly enforced. You can read more these new Illinois laws at Texting Ban While Driving - One of Many New Illinois Laws.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

An Illinois Court of Appeals recently upheld the right of an Autistic child, Carter Kalbfleisch, to bring his service dog to school. The court upheld an earlier ruling by the Monroe County Court that allowed the child to bring his autism service dog, named Corbin, to school with him. The Monroe County Court decision had been appealed by the Columbia School District. The School District argued that the dog would be disruptive and that some of the other students might be allergic to it.

After the initial ruling, the School District declared that it could not meet Carter’s educational needs, and sent him to school at the Illinois Center for Autism. The School District agreed to pay for his schooling at the center, but refused to pay for transportation for Carter and Corbin to and from school. The family is hopeful that Carter and Corbin will be allowed to return to school together. The School District still has the option to appeal the decision to the Illinois supreme court. You can read more about Carter’s fight to stay in school with his Autism service dog at Autistic student’s right to service dog upheld.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Monique Manjarrez was recently called to pick up her twelve year old autistic son, Jeremy, from Kachina elementary School in Peoria, Illinois. Ms. Manjarrez was told by school administrators that she should pick Jeremy up because he had fallen and hurt himself while in the bathroom with a classroom aide. But when she saw Jeremy’s face, she felt he looked more like he had been beaten, with swollen and bruised eyes and a large bump on the back of his head.

Because of Jeremy’s autism, he can’t communicate to his family what happened. Ms. Manjarrez took Jeremy to the local emergency room, where a doctor told her that it looked like her son had been punched in the face. Photos taken just after the incident reveal sever bruising on the child’s face. Ms. Manjarrez reports that she has made complaints before against the aide who was with Jeremy in the bathroom when the injuries occurred, and she is sure the aide struck her child. She claims that she had previously asked the school not to leave Jeremy alone with the aide because she felt he was angry and aggressive.

The Glendale Police Child Crimes Unit is investigating the incident, and the Peoria school district is conducting its own internal investigation. The aide in question is still working with other children in the special needs classroom. Jeremy’s family has removed him from the school. All children everywhere deserve to be safe and cherished at school and at home. When special needs children are abused, it can be difficult to find out what really happened if they have limited communication abilities, as Jeremy does. Parents of special needs children are their child’s best advocate, and should watch out for physical and emotional signals of abuse.

You can read more about Jeremy and his family’s plight at Peoria family blames classroom aide for autistic son's injuries.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A woman, Ebere Ozonwu, was rushing to make her train in Chicago this week when she unintentionally put her own child in danger. According to witnesses, the woman had started pushing her child, who was in a stroller, into the train car when the doors closed on it and the train started moving. The woman and other horrified onlookers watched as the stroller slammed against the wall of the tunnel it was entering and the child was thrown out onto the tracks. The little girl was hospitalized but has been released.

Safety features on the train doors should have prevented it from closing when the stroller was in the doorway. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the Chicago police are investigating the accident, and so far they have found no problems with the train’s safety features. The train’s driver, who continued to make five more stops before realizing what had happened, has been taken off duty. The train has been taken out of service until the incident can be investigated further.

While it is still not clear what happened in this case, it is clear that people need to use caution and common sense when they are around trains and other potentially dangerous objects.

You can read more about this accident and the good Samaritans who helped save the baby at Toddler thrown onto CTA tracks in accident.