Three rail company employees were recently charged with criminal negligence after a catastrophic train derailment in July 2013. The oil train was traveling through Quebec, Canada at the time of the crash, which killed 47 people. Train accident attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm take a closer look at this case and the charges filed.
The three men charged were employees of the now-bankrupt Montreal Maine and Atlantic Railroad company, as the engineer, train operations manager, and railway traffic controller, respectively. The crash occurred just after midnight last July, when the freight train carrying72 tanks of crude oil was left unattended. The train was somehow released from park, traveled more than seven miles downhill before derailing in a town of about 6,000 people.
Because of the train’s contents, massive explosions were set off in the derailment, destroying parts of the town and killing dozens of residents. A large amount of crude oil was also released into the environment, located about 10 miles from Maine’s borders.
Now, the three employees and the company itself are being charged with criminal negligence resulting in death, which is punishable by life in prison under Canadian law. American plaintiffs have also filed suit for personal injury and wrongful death, which are pending in federal court.
On this side of the border, several lawsuits have been filed here in Chicago after a Blue Line CTA train derailed at O’Hare Airport. The train derailed in the early-morning hours of March 24, 2014, injuring more than 30 people and destroying the stairs and escalator at the station.
At least nine lawsuits have been filed in connection to the incident, all of which by passengers on the train who were injured in the crash. Many of the injured passengers suffered broken bones and head, neck and back injuries, which can be extremely debilitating.
One of the victims, Dalila Jefferson, has had to take significant time away from work because of her injuries, which may have lasting implications. Injuries involving the back, neck or brain are incredibly serious and may cause constant medical appointments, racking up bills higher and higher.
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That is why it is critically important to contact an injury attorney immediately after the accident, so you can be sure to reach a settlement that will include compensation for all present and future medical bills. This can include ongoing medical care, lost wages from time away from work, and loss of quality of life.
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a train derailment or crash, contact our team of train accident attorneys today. Our legal consultations are always free, no-obligation, and available for injured victims nationwide.
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