Massachusetts Court Denied Motion to Dismiss Train Lawsuit

The court will allow claims of reckless conduct to proceed in a lawsuit involving a teenager struck by a train.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Accidents

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of railroad tracks receding into the distance, symbolizing a legal case moving forward. — A Massachusetts court has allowed a lawsuit to proceed against a railroad operator, citing legally sufficient claims of reckless conduct following a 2021 collision. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

A Massachusetts court has denied a motion to dismiss a personal injury lawsuit filed by a former minor who was struck by a train in 2021. The ruling allows claims of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct against the railroad operators to move forward.

Why it matters

This decision marks a significant step in the litigation, as the court determined that allegations of reckless behavior by train operators are legally sufficient for trial. While negligence claims were dismissed, the case will continue to examine whether the railroad failed to prevent the collision.

The court dismissed all negligence and gross negligence claims against Pan Am Railways and CSX Transportation. However, the litigation will proceed regarding allegations of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct.

The players

Edward Hughes

He is the plaintiff who filed a personal injury lawsuit after being struck by a train as a teenager.

Pan Am Railways

This railroad company is a named defendant in the ongoing personal injury litigation.

CSX Transportation

This major freight railroad corporation is a named defendant in the personal injury lawsuit.

The details

The plaintiff, Edward Hughes, was nearly 18 at the time of the 2021 incident and alleged the railroad track was a known site for recreational walking. The suit claims train operators sounded the horn instead of applying emergency brakes despite having sufficient time to stop.

August 18, 2021: Edward Hughes was struck by a train while on railroad tracks.
September 17, 2026: The court issued its ruling regarding the motion to dismiss the lawsuit.

Legal Context

This case clarifies the application of the Massachusetts Child Trespasser Statute within state personal injury law. By ruling the statute inapplicable, the court sets a narrow precedent for how liability is determined when minors enter restricted railroad property.

This ruling serves as a legal reminder that property owners may still face accountability if their conduct is found to be reckless. Residents should be aware that walking on railroad tracks remains a significant safety hazard that can lead to complex litigation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the rigorous standards plaintiffs must meet to hold railroad companies liable for injuries sustained on tracks. It underscores the ongoing legal debate regarding the threshold for proving reckless conduct versus simple negligence in accident claims.