Chandler v. Illinois Central Railroad

The instant case originated after a car driven by Douglas Chandler (decedent) and a train owned and operated by Illinois Central Railroad Company (defendant) collided with each other. The crossing at which this accident occurred was once protected by gates, but in 1962, defendant petitioned the Illinois Commerce Commission (Commission) to remove the gates. The Commission granted defendant’s petition, and the gates were removed. On October 6, 1997, Paulette Chandler (plaintiff), the administrator of decedent’s estate, filed an action against defendant. Plaintiff alleged that defendant’s…