Did you know? Fifteen criminal sexual assaults have been reported on Chicago's CTA system so far in 2025. But the true scope runs much deeper. Who knows how many more incidents go unreported? Sexual assault is not an easy topic to discuss and an even harder issue to deal with.
The crowded trains create vulnerable situations. Isolated platforms make matters worse. Late-night commutes become dangerous. Perpetrators often exploit these conditions.
If you have experienced sexual assault on Chicago's public transit system, Collins Law stands ready to assist you. In this article, we will help you understand your legal options and how the system can protect you.
Sexual assault on the CTA covers a range of unwanted sexual contact and behavior. This includes:
These incidents occur most often during rush hours. Commuters should watch out. These crowded conditions give attackers cover and make escape easier.
The CTA has a legal duty to keep riders reasonably safe from harm. When they fail to meet this responsibility, victims can pursue compensation through civil lawsuits.
Public transport is used by a large percentage of the population. It's crucial to ensure the safety of these people. Transit authorities must provide adequate security measures, including:
The CTA currently employs over 300 security guards monitoring the system. But gaps in coverage can create legal responsibility when assaults occur in unprotected areas.
Your safety comes first after any assault. Here are a few important actions to take right away:
The CTA has installed over 33,000 security cameras across the entire system, but this footage has limited storage time. Your attorney needs to act fast to preserve video evidence before it disappears. Witness statements also become harder to obtain as time passes, since people move quickly through the transit system.
In most locations, video footage gets deleted within 30 to 90 days unless specifically preserved. An experienced attorney knows how to send preservation letters immediately to prevent this crucial evidence from being lost.
There are multiple camera angles in the area. The incident might be captured on:
Even brief interactions with witnesses can provide valuable testimony later. Your lawyer should contact passengers who:
Third-party accounts or recordings of the incident can strengthen your assault case. Please do not shy away from getting witness statements. If you cannot, our lawyers can help.
Crowded transit environments make witness identification difficult since so many people move quickly through stations and trains. Some potential witnesses may never come forward because they don't realize their testimony could help.
A few other challenges in public transport assault cases include:
Filing a lawsuit against the CTA requires procedures that differ from regular personal injury cases. It's important to note that you can't just sue the government.
Government entities have special protections under Illinois law that can limit when and how you can sue them. If you want to file a lawsuit, it would likely be a criminal case against the attacker or against other liable parties.
When you hire an experienced attorney, he or she will guide you through the legal process. Your attorney will investigate whether the CTA failed to provide adequate security given the known risks at specific locations.
He or she will look into the following:
These can all reveal whether transit officials knew about dangers but failed to address them properly.
Many victims qualify for crime victim compensation to pay for immediate expenses while civil cases develop. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries and long-term impacts on your life.
As an assault victim, you may be entitled to economic damages that cover losses like:
With cases like assault, not all damages are tangible. Trauma is real, and you deserve to be compensated.
Pain and suffering compensation addresses the emotional trauma that assault victims experience, which includes:
The busy trains and crowded platforms of Chicago's 'L' system shouldn't become hunting grounds for sexual predators. Don't be afraid to speak up. Your case can help prevent future assaults while securing the compensation you deserve for your suffering.
Don't let the CTA escape responsibility for failing to protect you. Contact Collins Law today for a free consultation about your transit assault case. We know how to fight to hold all responsible parties accountable and get you the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
