According to Chicago Sun-Times, a stabbing occurred on the CTA train platform located on the block of 300 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604.
On Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 5:40 p.m., 39-year-old Albert Burage got into an argument with another person at the CTA train stop. Reports said that the man was antagonizing Burage and hitting him with a chain or belt. At some point during the fight, Burage pulled a knife out and threw it at the other person, along with a bicycle. When the other man left, the suspect went onto the tracks to gather his knife and bicycle. At this time, a CTA employee approached Burage. Burage became angry and began to stab and "slash" the worker multiple times in the face.
Other train passengers came to the aid of the employee and held Burage down until two police officers arrived. Before they could apprehend the suspect, he picked up a guitar and hit an officer in the neck after smashing it against a support pillar.
The victim was taken to the hospital for his many lacerations and his broken jaw.
Burage has a history of violence and admitted he wanted to kill the employee for siding with the previous rival. Just that morning, he was released by police for allegedly assaulting a group at a church in Forest Park with a drumstick. He is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery to a police officer, along with aggravated battery to a transit worker.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea is an experienced stabbing victim attorney who represents victims of violent stabbings along with their families in civil lawsuits. Attorney Kent has offered to share his knowledge on the different legal options available to victims stabbed on public transit.
"For those that take public transit, they rely on the establishment to provide a safe and secure transportation method. By law, the officials of public transit, such as bus systems and trains, are responsible for providing safety measures to minimize the risks of violent crimes, such as stabbings. If the officials fail to uphold their duty of care and a crime takes place, they could be held liable in a lawsuit. It can be overwhelming for victims of violent crimes, such as stabbings, to determine the facts of the crime. However, it is necessary to investigate if the officials were guilty of property safety negligence. Victims may file a private suit against a person or place that acted negligently, even if they were not the direct perpetrator."
"A stabbing victim should seek the guidance of an experienced stabbing victim attorney to help prove the public transit officials failed to provide adequate security. This could include proper lighting, patrol guards, and metal detectors. Ultimately, if there was a history of violent crime on the transportation system, but they failed to increase their security measures, they could be liable for part of the crime."
"While criminal charges will provide punishment against the perpetrator, it does not help the victim with appropriate compensation. A civil lawsuit may be the right legal option for victims of stabbings on public transit in order to recover restitution."