Millions of people rely on mass transit to navigate their cities. For example, for work, school, shopping and more, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) serves residents of Philadelphia and surrounding communities.
Serious Accidents, Serious Injuries
There are a number of well-known SEPTA accidents. A majority of these accidents are crashes or collisions, such as the Norristown High-Speed Line accident that injured 32 or the Fox Chase bus crash that injured three people.
In the Hall v. SEPTA case tried by Tom Kline and resulting in a $51 million verdict, the victim was on an escalator operated by SEPTA when his injury occurred. Like all property owners, SEPTA is responsible for maintaining safe premises for its hundreds of thousands of daily travelers. When it fails to do so and injury occurs as a result, SEPTA can be held liable for damages.
More recently, Kline & Specter represented passengers in the 2015 Amtrak 188 derailment that killed eight people and injured about 200 others. The case ended with a $265 million settlement program as part of a multidistrict litigation headed by Tom Kline. The settlement is the largest such settlement in railway history.
The law firm also currently represents passengers injured in the New Jersey Transit Hoboken terminal station crash that injured hundreds of passengers and killed a young woman in 2016. Kline & Specter represents the estate of that woman, Fabiola Bittar De Kroon.
Injures that may occur while riding on a train, bus, or trolley operated by SEPTA include:
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Whiplash
- Brain and head injury
- Spinal cord injury
These injuries, like cuts and bruises, are common during collisions and crashes. When they are serious, they demand legal action for proper and full compensation.
What to Do if You Are Injured
If you are injured while riding a bus, trolley or train, it is a good idea to speak to a train and bus accident lawyer before you accept a settlement offer. In some cases, offers may be much less than what is needed to fully recover from an injury. A lawyer can review your claim, determine its viability, and help you understand all of your options.
Kline & Specter, PC, with more than 40 attorneys, maintains offices in Philadelphia, where we hold SEPTA accountable for negligence resulting in injury. We also serve victims of PAT accidents in Pittsburgh, victims of injuries sustained while riding DART in Delaware, and of accidents occurring on NJ Transit in New Jersey and the MTA in New York.
Please call Kline & Specter, PC at 800-243-1100 to schedule a free consultation.