A mother-of-two who lost her right arm and leg after being hit by two Tube trains has hailed a “significant milestone” in her “journey towards justice” as her legal case has progressed.
Sarah de Lagarde, 47, suffered the injuries after falling down the gap between a train and the platform at High Barnet station in north London in September 2022.
After being struck by two trains, she was taken to hospital and had to have the limbs amputated. She now uses two prosthetic limbs, including a bionic arm.
Ms de Lagarde is bringing a legal claim against London Underground Ltd (LUL), part of Transport for London, and the case has reached the High Court.
The first hearing was held at the Royal Courts of Justice for breach of duty. LUL is defending the claim.
Speaking outside the court after the hearing, Mrs de Lagarde said the accident “cost me dearly”.
“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,” she said.
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“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.”
Ms de Lagarde added that she is “not just fighting for justice for myself but for a safer, more accountable transport network for all”.
At the preliminary hearing, Judge Roger Eastman said a further hearing will take place in September this year before a full trial, likely at the beginning of 2027.
Mrs de Lagarde previously recalled how she “screamed for help” after being hit by the first train.
“There were no staff on that platform, and no one was watching CCTV,” she said.
“Twenty-two tonnes of steel crushed my limbs, and, if that wasn’t bad enough, I remained on the tracks undetected until the second train came into the station, crushing me for a second time.”
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In written submissions to the court, Ms de Lagarde’s lawyer said the issues the trial judge will have to decide include whether LUL was in breach by not having a system in place to ensure CCTV on the platform is monitored as passengers are getting off a train.
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”.
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A lawyer acting for LUL said: “We recognise that this is a tragic case, and the claimant sustained some horrific injuries.”
In written submissions, Prashant Popat 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.”
