Camden resident Sarah de Lagarde slipped onto the train tracks at High Barnet station in September 2022 on her way home from work.
Despite her cries for help, there were no staff around and the 47-year-old was hit by two separate trains before she was found and rushed to hospital.
The mum-of-two had her right arm and leg amputated, and now uses two prosthetic limbs, including a bionic arm.
Last Wednesday (June 25), there was a first hearing in her case against London Underground Ltd, which is part of Transport for London (TfL), for breach of duty of care.
Speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice following the hearing, she said: “Miraculously, I survived, but it cost me dearly – the first train took my arm, and the second train took my leg.
“That night I also lost my mobility, my independence, my dignity and, above all, my ability to hug my two young children with both arms.
“Today, I stand before you not just as a survivor, but as a voice for change.
“This afternoon’s court hearing marks a significant milestone in my journey towards justice against Transport for London, and I am optimistic.”
She added: “As we prepare for the full trial, I am not just fighting for justice for myself but for a safer, more accountable transport network for all.”
At the hearing, Judge Roger Eastman said an eight-week trial would likely take place at the beginning of 2027, with a further hearing due to take place in September this year.
In written submissions, James MacDonald, representing Mrs De Lagarde, said the issues the trial judge will have to decide include whether London Underground Ltd was in breach by not having a system in place to ensure that the Platform Train Interface (PTI) is monitored as passengers are getting off a train at a terminus station.
Another issue is whether LUL “was in breach by virtue of its train operators not being trained to look for passengers on the tracks when entering a station”.
Prashant Popat KC, for LUL, which is defending the claim, said: “We recognise that this is a tragic case, and the claimant sustained some horrific injuries.”
In written submissions, he added: “The defendant denies these allegations. It also pleads contributory negligence.
“The parties are agreed that the case should proceed first towards a preliminary issue trial on liability. This would encompass breach of duty, causation and the issue of contributory negligence.”
Speaking after the hearing, Mrs De Lagarde said she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has not returned to using public transport since the incident.
She added: “I’m absolutely terrified.”
Thomas Jervis, a partner at law firm Leigh Day, which is representing Mrs De Lagarde, said: “This case is incredibly important and may have a profound impact on how London’s transport network is operated in the future.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “We are responding to a legal claim brought by Sarah de Lagarde. It is not appropriate to discuss details of our defence while this case is ongoing.
“Our thoughts continue to be with Sarah and her family following this terrible incident, and we will continue to make every possible effort to learn from any incident on the Tube network.
“Safety is our top priority and we will always place it at the forefront of our thinking.”
Reporting by PA.
