Legal Updates on the December DuPont Train Accident
The Cascades 501 Amtrak derailment in DuPont, Washington led to devastating injuries and wreckage that took hours for authorities to search. The train accident occurred when the train was going 50 mph over the speed limit, leading to over 100 injured victims and three passengers who lost their life.
Here are the legal updates to know about this horrific accident that devastated the DuPont community over the holiday season.
Facts to Know About Transportation of the Injured
According to regional health network CHI Franciscan Health, the more than 100 wounded victims were transported to various area hospitals. Four of the wounded are known to be struggling with “level red” injuries, a designation reserved only for the most severe injuries.
For anyone concerned about loved ones injured in the train accident can rely on the following information that has been confirmed by CHI Franciscan Health:
- 77 patients have been sent to hospitals located in Pierce and Thurston Counties
- Family members have had rooms set up for visiting the injured
- Transportation of injured train victims is coordinated by St. Joseph Medical Center as well as the Pierce County Disaster Management Command Center
- Emergency rooms are operational as nurses and doctors continue to treat seriously injured patients
Patient have been sent to St. Claire’s, Tacoma General, St. Anthony’s and St. Joseph’s hospitals, which are the best places to seek out for information about a friend or loved one who was seriously injured in the Cascades 501 derailment.
Injured Victims Face a Difficult Path Toward Recovery
The many serious and severe injuries from the accident will unfortunately require a lengthy recovery period. Although Amtrak has already informed Washington Gov. Jay Inslee that the medical and other expenses of victims will be paid by Amtrak, as well as associated derailment response costs.
However, Amtrak’s liability is capped by federal law at $295 million for all plaintiffs in the accident. As such, many questions remain regarding the compensation each victim will receive, as well as whether there is enough money to fairly compensate all the accident victims.
Joshua Gotbaum — a survivor from a similar Amtrak accident in Philadelphia that led to more than 200 injured after the train exceeded the speed limit by 50 mph — wrote a compelling op-ed reminding victims that the road ahead is long and arduous. Gotbaum advised victims to get a lawyer who is capable of helping you pursue maximum compensation in light of Amtrak’s liability cap.
Further, Gotbaum recommends careful reading of any settlement offers before signing them. Naturally, a lawyer is an instrumental ally when helping you avoid these kinds of legal mistakes.
Most importantly, victims and loved ones should be sure to get any and all needed help after an accident. Whether victims and loved one need help with PTSD, depression or even minor injuries, these issues require the help of medical and mental health professionals.
DuPont Train Survivors Deserve Better Than the Current Federal Law That Caps Amtrak’s Liability
If you or a loved one has been injured after the Cascades 501 DuPont train derailment, know that survivors like Mr. Gotbaum and the attorneys at The Ledger Law Firm believe and know that you deserve better than the suffering too many train survivors experience after an accident.
Know that it is not too late for the government to eliminate the liability cap on Amtrak, so be sure to contact your representative to let them know that the $295 million cap does not properly compensate victims of severe accidents like the Cascades 501 derailment.
Until then, our team at The Ledger Law Firm is here to represent your legal interests and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve under the existing law.
Contact us online today to discuss your case so that we can protect your legal rights and fight for you to receive the compensation you will need for all associated expenses and medical costs you will need to heal and rebuild your life after the DuPont train accident.
