Family settles wrongful death railroad case in Illinois for $33 million

In a case handled by a St. Louis law firm, the family of a 29-year-old man killed in an Illinois railroad accident has reached a $33 million confidential settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit.

St. Louis plaintiff’s attorney Steve Groves said that  the mid-February settlement involved a dangerous maneuver called a “blind shove,” where a train backs up while no personnel are present to ensure that the train does not reverse into any obstructions.

“The settlement underscores the severe consequences of unsafe railroad operations and the significant risks posed by improper maneuvers,” a news release about the settlement states. “It stands as a stark reminder of the critical importance of strict safety practices in preventing tragedies like this.”

The trial team included Groves and Caroline Alexander of Groves Powers in St. Louis and Chicago attorneys Ben Crane and Ervin Nevitt, partners in the firm Coplan + Crane.

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$33 million confidential settlement

Wrongful death

Case Number/Date: Confidential/February 18, 2026

Court: Confidential (Illinois)

Caption: Confidential v. Confidential

Plaintiff’s attorneys: Steve Groves and Caroline Alexander; Groves Powers, St. Louis; Ben Crane and Erv Nevitt; Coplan and Crane, St. Louis

Defendant’s attorneys: Confidential