Deadly Commuter Train Wreck Claims 25 Lives

On September 12, a Los Angeles commuter train collided head-on with a Union Pacific freight train. The Metrolink train carrying 222 passengers was headed north in the LA suburb of Chatsworth when it struck a freight train staffed by a 3-person crew. The collision is being described as the deadliest train wreck in the United States since a 1993 Amtrak train derailment that killed 47.

By Sunday, 25 deaths had been reported, but officials fear that number could climb if more bodies are recovered, or if any of the 40 critically injured passengers currently being treated in area hospitals take a turn for the worse.

Although the recovery effort is nearing completion, rescuers reported that the overturned position of the trained slowed the process considerably, making it much more difficult than usual to find injured or deceased passengers and to move them to safety. Efforts to recover the train’s data recorders are still underway.

While an official statement on the cause of the collision has not yet been released, Metrolink representatives are claiming that human error played a factor in the collision. In the local LA media, unsubstantiated reports that the Metrolink engineer was engaged in a text messaging exchange in the moments before the crash have emerged.

Whatever the cause of the distraction, the circumstances of the wreck suggest that something had seriously impeded the engineer’s ability to safely operate the train. Three separate warnings that a head-on crash was imminent were reportedly disregarded.

Because human error appears to have been a major contributing factor in the collision, it is likely that a number of wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits will be filed on behalf of injured passengers and surviving family members in the weeks and months to come.

If you or a family member has been affected by the Metrolink tragedy, reach out and connect with our team of compassionate, experienced personal injury attorneys. Contact the California personal attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Metrolink Collides with Freight Train in Chatsworth

On Friday, September 12, 2008, a Metrolink train traveling from Union Station to Moorpark collided with a Union Pacific freight train traveling on the same track just as the Metrolink train was leaving the Chatsworth Station. At least 18 people are dead and more than 135 people have been injured in what has been called one of the worst train accidents in Southern California's history. Officials from Metrolink and Union Pacific are trying to understand why warning systems in place to prevent such collisions failed. The NTSB is investigating.

Have you or a family member been injured in this accident? You need an experienced team of personal injury attorneys to help you determine your next move. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Rifle Range Death Leads to Six-Figure Settlement

16-year-old Alain Garcia was a cadet at the Missouri Military Academy when he was shot and killed on the school’s rifle practice range. It was later found that the gun that caused the accident had been adjusted to have a “hair” trigger, discharging with less than one pound of pressure. A wrongful death lawsuit brought by the Garcia family was recently settled for $700,000.

Have you or a family member been hurt as a result of another’s negligence? Get the advice of one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Mishandled Tumor Diagnosis Leads to $3.25 Million Malpractice Award

In 2002, a tumor was removed from the foot of Indiana resident Leslie Mieth. However, the removed tumor was never subjected to any of the pathological tests that had been ordered. The following year, another tumor was removed from Mieth’s foot, and this one was shown to be malignant. The lawsuit filed by Mieth and her husband claimed that this failure significantly slowed the course of her cancer treatment.

Has medical malpractice impacted your family? If so, you need the advice of an experienced personal injury team. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Injuries Sustained in Fall Spark Lawsuit Against Municipality

When 25-year-old Des Moines, Iowa resident Timothy DeLong left his home to take a short walk to a corner convenience store, he certainly didn’t expect to end up paralyzed and suffering from extreme cognitive impairment. Unfortunately, after a 25-foot fall through a hole in a pedestrian bridge, that’s exactly what happened. DeLong’s parents filed a lawsuit against the city government, claiming negligence in the upkeep and maintenance of the bridge. The case was recently settled for $2.6 million.

If you’ve sustained an injury due to another’s negligence, count on us to help you figure out your next step. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Accidental Shooting Prompts Product Liability Lawsuit

Off-duty LAPD officer Enrique Chavez was left paralyzed when his 3-year-old son picked up his .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and shot him in the back. In a recent lawsuit, Chavez has claimed that the Glock 21 was lacking a sufficient safety system to prevent such an accident. The suit also names the company that produced and sold the gun’s holster, as well as the store where Chavez purchased the weapon.

Have you or a family member sustained injuries from an unsafe product or device? If so, you need a team of experienced personal injury attorneys on your side. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Wrongful Death Suit Filed in Fatal Car Crash

A 2007 car crash that resulted in the death of Wabasha, Minnesota resident James Welby is being partially blamed on the county’s decision to alter all of the stop signs along the rural road where the collision occurred. In order to comply with state regulations, all of the stop signs were removed from County Road 25 and placed on a parallel road, County Road 2. The county’s failure to notify motorists of the changes is being blamed for Welby’s death in a lawsuit filed by his surviving family members. The other driver involved in the crash has also been named in the wrongful death suit.

If you’ve been injured in a collision, we can help you understand the legal implications of your situation. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.