Court rules Gary woman who lost both legs can sue railroad

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - An Indiana appeals court has ruled that a Gary woman who lost both legs after she was run over by a freight train can sue the railroad for negligence.

The (Northwest Indiana) Times reports (http://bit.ly/2rw9Dcd ) the Indiana Court of Appeals last week ruled Crystal Williams can sue the Chicago, South Shore and South Bend Railroad. The ruling overturns a decision in favor of the railroad from Lake Circuit Judge Thomas Webber. The appeals court says there are unanswered questions about whether the railroad had a duty to prevent Williams' injuries.

Williams was 17 years old in December 2011 when a train was blocking her way as she walked home. It lurched forward as she tried to climb between rail cars, running over her legs.

The railroad argues it's not responsible because Williams was trespassing.

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Information from: The Times, http://www.nwitimes.com