The stakes involved in the recent Metrolink crash in Chatsworth, CA are high and rising. Twenty six people were lost in the deadly Metrolink collision with a Union Pacific freight train and 138 people were injured. Because some of the injured are in critical condition, the death toll could still rise. Many victims and surviving family members will be pursuing personal injury claims in the future. Those considering legal action should be aware that special rules may apply in the Metrolink case.
In normal circumstances, injured victims of negligent acts have up to two years to file a claim in California. But an interesting twist in the Metrolink accident case could make that window of time much smaller, possibly only 180 days. The relationship between Metrolink and the agency that operates it may make injury claims subject to the special rules that govern litigation involving government entities and public agencies.
Governments are allowed to establish their own set of rules over who can sue them, when, and how. There are very specific state rules an accident victim must follow when pursing a claim against a government agency, even if that government agency is only slightly or partially involved. If you do not file your claim within the specific time limit, or file it the right way, you may forever lose your right to collect compensation.
The Metrolink rail service is operated by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a public agency which is operated by the state in which it is located and supported by tax dollars. Because of the possibility of a much shorter statute of limitations, if you or a member of your family were involved in the Chatsworth Metrolink accident, you should talk to an attorney now. Railroad accident injury litigation is a specialty area of law and although many attorneys will claim to have knowledge of railroad accident claims, few have experience.
Damages available to victims of the Metrolink accident and surviving family members in wrongful death claims may be substantial. Damages will be calculated based on factors such as the deceased's age, state of health, life expectancy, earnings capacity, and how a family is affected economically and through loss of love and companionship.
For a free consultation with an attorney at the California injury law firm of Estey & Bomberger, LLP, call (213)596-4855 or toll free (800)672-1036. Attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP are available to discuss your case 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your attorney can meet you at your home, hospital or our Los Angeles office. As always at our law firm, we are not paid unless and until we recover money for you. We advance all costs for clients, including costs for medical care.
http://www.losangeles.esteybomberger.com
