If you were injured because of violence on Chicago Public Transport, the attacker, the public transit authority, or a private security company may be liable for damages. In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility.
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Many people in the windy city rely on Chicago’s extensive public transit system to get around. The network of buses and trains are a quick and easy way to travel without having to worry about finding a place to park, making traveling through Chicago less stressful. But violent attacks, sexual assaults, and shootings on the CTA bus lines prompt questions about whether adequate security measures are in place.
When people using Chicago’s public transit systems are injured, whether while boarding or already on the bus or train, victims and their families are often left wondering what went wrong, and who to hold liable for their pain.
If you were injured in a violent attack on a CTA train, bus, or station, determining who may be responsible is an important first step. Ankin Law can investigate the circumstances of the attack, identify potentially liable parties, and pursue the compensation available under Illinois law. Contact us online or call 312-600-0000 for a free consultation.
Key Takeaways
- Multiple parties may be liable if you are attacked on a public transit line
- Inadequate security measures may have contributed to several recent CTA attacks
- Victims of violence on a CTA line may be eligible for a wide range of damages
Who Can I Hold Liable if I Am Attacked on a Public Transit Line?
If you were attacked on a public transit line, you may have several options for pursuing compensation for your injuries.
- The Attacker: The one responsible for your injuries and emotional distress is typically the one you can hold liable for your injuries. The downside, however, is that if you are looking for financial recovery, you may have difficulty getting it from your attacker due to limited finances.
- Transit Authority/Agency: As common carriers, the CTA owes a heightened duty of care to their passengers. A violent act by another person does not automatically make the CTA liable, however. Liability may depend on whether the danger was reasonably foreseeable and whether the CTA failed to take reasonable measures in response to a known or foreseeable risk.
- Private Security Companies: A security contractor may be liable if it had a duty to provide security services, failed to perform those duties reasonably, and that failure contributed to a passenger’s injuries. Whether the company can be held responsible will depend on its contractual responsibilities, what its personnel knew or reasonably should have known, and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Knowing who to hold responsible for your injuries drastically affects the timeline for your case. Most transit authorities are government-run, and lawsuits involving the government have a shorter timeframe for filing a lawsuit than ordinary Illinois personal injury lawsuits. Under the Chicago Transit Authority Act, an action against the CTA for personal injuries generally must be filed within one year after the cause of action accrues. Because determining the correct defendant and deadline can be complicated, injured passengers should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Recent CTA Attacks Raise Questions About Transit Security
Recent federal scrutiny has raised significant questions about security throughout the CTA system. In December 2025, the Federal Transit Administration rejected CTA’s proposed security enhancement plan as insufficient and ordered the agency to adopt stronger crime-reduction targets and security measures. The FTA had previously cited a years-long pattern of elevated passenger and worker assaults and serious violent crime on the system.
Several recent incidents further illustrate the types of violent attacks that have occurred on CTA property.
- In July 2025, a 61-year-old nurse suffered a broken leg after a fare evader forced his way through a CTA Red Line gate and knocked her to the ground. In 2026, she sued two private security companies, alleging guards stationed nearby failed to intervene.
- In January of 2026, a 37-year-old passenger was brutally stabbed while sleeping on a CTA Blue Line train, and later succumbed to his wounds. His family later sued the CTA and two private security contractors.
- In September of 2026, a 65-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man were shot while aboard a CTA bus.
These attacks highlight a serious problem within the transit line that the CTA has failed to sufficiently address. This leaves innocent passengers vulnerable to violent attacks and injuries while utilizing a system that should be safe to use.
You’ve been through enough. Getting compensation for your injuries shouldn’t add unnecessary stress. Ankin Law’s experienced attorneys can handle the legal process, investigate who may be responsible, and pursue the compensation available for your injuries while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery. Get a free consultation at 312-600-0000.
What Damages Are Available if I Was Injured on a CTA Line?
Victims of violence on a CTA line are eligible for the same damages available in standard personal injury lawsuits, however, the specifics of your case will affect what specific damages are available to you.
- Economic Damages: These are your financial losses, and include medical bills, lost wages, and lost earning capacity.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are damages centered around the personal impact of your injuries. This can include PTSD, emotional suffering, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium (companionship).
- Wrongful Death Damages: Families of deceased victims are eligible for wrongful death damages. These damages cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a CTA Injury Attorney?
Don’t think you can afford an attorney? Ankin Law operates on a contingency fee structure. This means that you owe no upfront legal fees and you pay nothing until we collect compensation for you.
Working with Ankin Law, you can expect:
- 24/7 legal support
- FREE consultations
- A professional attorney with a personalized approach to your case
Call Ankin Law at 312-600-0000 now.
