Woman hit by two tube trains “optimistic” as High Court trial against Transport for London is set for 2027

Following the hearing Sarah said that she felt that TfL’s attempts to “blame” her for what happened can no longer be kept “behind closed doors”.

Sarah was injured at High Barnet station while travelling home from work on 30 September 2022.

TfL denies liability and having caused the incident, arguing that Sarah’s injuries were the result of her own negligence.

A legal claim was issued against TfL at the High Court in February 2024.  

On Wednesday 25 June 2025, Sarah attended the first High Court hearing in her case against London Underground Limited which is part of Transport for London before Judge Master Roger Eastman.

The judge indicated that an eight-day trial would be listed at the High Court for early 2027.

Sarah is represented by Thomas Jervis a partner at law firm Leigh Day.

Following the hearing, Sarah read a statement outside court and said:

"My name is Sarah de Lagarde. On 30 September 2022, my life changed forever. I was commuting home from work. I fell through the gap. I was run over and crushed by not one, but two London underground trains on the Northern Line.

“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 (TfL), and I am optimistic. I’m grateful for the Judge's thorough attention to the details of my case, which is not solely about my personal tragedy but is relevant to the safety of millions who rely on this network daily.

“The Judge ordered that there will be an 8-day trial into whether TfL will be held legally liable for what happened to me. I expect TfL’s leadership - to come and explain their position at trial in public.

“TfL can no longer defend my claim behind closed doors.

“It’s time to confront some hard truths. TfL’s initial reaction to my incident was to label me as a 'drunk woman' and suggest it was all my fault. This baseless claim has since been retracted but not before they scrutinized everything down to my choice of footwear. For the record, I wore flat shoes – not high heels.

“You know those TfL "Be Kind" posters which you see plastered across the city? That doesn’t match how they've actually treated me— more bullying than kindness. This shows a big gap between what they say and what they do.

“Back in October last year, Mayor Sadiq Khan specifically told TfL not to victim-blame. But it was revealed in Court today that TfL continues to allege that this incident was entirely my fault. This not only feels like a personal attack, but I also believe it reflects a broader issue of accountability within TfL.

“The London Underground was once iconic. Now TfL charges the public a fortune to use their transport network which other people have called outdated, dirty and dangerous, while top executives continue to take home eye watering six figure salaries and a bonus on top. I don’t think that’s deserved when people are still being injured and killed on the network. TfL is a public service. It exists to serve the public. That means you and me. My daughters. And millions of other passengers.

“On 1 November 2023, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, wrote to Andy Lord, the Chief Commissioner, on my behalf stating that TfL should not wait until my case is over before meaningful lessons are learnt. Almost 2 years on, here we are. No accountability. No meaningful changes. And more commuters who have been injured or killed.

“TfL’s PR machine continues to churn out the same old gaslighting strap lines when someone dies or is seriously injured on their network. TfL’s slogan states “Every Journey Matters”, but does “Every Passenger Matter” to them? And is “safety” genuinely their “top priority”. Not in my view.

“This battle is larger than me. It’s about every passenger’s right to safe travel. Did you know that in 2023 alone, there were nearly 2,000 incidents at the platform-train interface on TfL’s network? That's an average of around 162 incidents per month. Under their Vision Zero initiative, TfL has pledged to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries by 2041. But at this rate, over 30,000 individuals could be harmed, or worse, over the next 16 years. 30,000 people. Has Vision Zero failed?

“Standing here today, I feel like David against Goliath. One person standing up against such a powerful entity. It's intimidating and retraumatizing for me to relive these moments. But I am compelled to speak out, not just for myself but for everyone else affected by these incidents which are not so rare as TfL make out. TfL’s own campaign tells us: ‘see it, say it, sorted.’ I am seeing and saying, now it’s time for them to sort it.

“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. I look forward to sharing the next steps of this journey with you and appreciate the continued support from each one of you.

“Together, let's hold TfL accountable and push for the meaningful changes that our city desperately needs. We deserve better. Thank you.”

Leigh Day partner Thomas Jervis said:

“Like millions of other Londoners, Sarah de Lagarde was just trying to get home from work when she was hit by two tube trains at High Barnet station. Transport for London is refusing to accept liability and positively blames Sarah for what happened.

“This case is incredibly important and may have a profound impact on how London’s transport network is operated in the future.”

Counsel for the client is Simeon Maskrey KC and James Macdonald of 7BR chambers.