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Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
Families of Two Teens Receive Settlement for Fatal Light Rail Accident
Two teens were hit and killed by a light rail train traveling in Lutherville, Maryland (MD) back in July of 2009. The families of these teens were considering filing a lawsuit but reach a $1.5 million settlement via mediation from the Maryland Board of Public Works, according to myfoxdc.com.The two teens were walking along southbound tracks when a light rail train that usually travels on northbound tracks came out of nowhere and hit the teens. The operator of the train did not stop and another train that traveled by later that day allegedly failed to notice the two bodies.
The families' attorneys filed a legal notice stating the train operator took their eyes off the track just before the accident and had no satisfactory explanation for their actions. In addition, both rail operators did not report the sighting of the teens on the tracks and the agency lacked a procedure for notifying operators to take extra precautions when trains were being operated on alternate tracks. Both train operators were eventually fired and six other employees were disciplined, according to the Baltimore Sun.
A $1.5 million settlement is not enough to truly compensate the family members who are struggling with grief. No settlement amount is ever enough for a loss of life. Though, I am glad to see the families receive something for their pain and suffering.
These types of settlements will hopefully send a signal to the rest of the rail community that following proper safety procedures is crucial.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling accidents involving mass transit such as airplanes, trains, and buses. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia if you've been seriously hurt by someone else's carelessness. We are ready to talk to you right now and provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042.
Rick Shapiro and James Lewis were included among the "Best Lawyers in America" 2010 Edition, named Virginia "Super Lawyers" For Personal Injury Law (2009, less than 5% of lawyers are chosen), and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum (2009). In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical, respected law firms. Our firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.
Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a public information service along with editing a blog devoted exclusively to railroad accident and FELA law.
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Mass Transit (Airline, Train, Bus)
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