New Amtrak Bill Promises Hope

In May 2015, a New York-bound Amtrak commuter train derailed and crashed along the northbound corridor of Frankford Junction curve in Philadelphia, PA. 8 people were killed and over 200 were injured in one of the deadliest train crashes ever.

This week, a bill goes to a vote that could provide increased relief to the victims of the accident as well as subsidize technology to prevent future crashes. First, the measure includes almost $200 million towards the installation of Positive Train Control (PTC) technology, which would allow trains to be stopped or slowed remotely to prevent a crash. In 2008, Congress ha called for PTC to be implemented by 2015 in response to another highly fatal commuter train crash in California; however, implementation has been slow across commuter lines due to tightening budgets.

Second, the bill will increase the $200 million damages cap that has been in place since 1997 to $295 million and make adjustments every 5 years for inflation. The increase to $95 million will include punitive damages. Most importantly, the cap raise will be retroactive to include the May 12 Amtrak derailment, allowing an additional $95 million to be made available to compensate victims who were injured in the crash.

Morelli Law Firm helped lead the charge to get this damages cap raised, working diligently with members of Congress and lobbyists for several months and providing the necessary ammunition to help get the cap raised.

The bill goes to vote later this week, and, if passed, will be a major step towards attaining justice for the victims of the crash. The victims are entitled to compensation from Amtrak – who has already conceded liability – for their injuries and damages such as medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

Morelli Law Firm will work tirelessly to obtain maximum compensation for its clients who were injured in this accident.

If you or a loved one was injured in the recent Amtrak disaster, you have the right to take legal action and to recover money damages. Call (212) 751-9800 to discuss your case with a member of our law firm, or send us a message.