On January 25, 2005, a Metrolink commuter train derailed when it collided with a Jeep located on the tracks in Glendale, California. This derailment led to the deaths of 11 passengers. Additionally, 16 other passengers sustained injuries of a serious nature. At the time of this tragedy, this was the largest commuter rail disaster in United States history.
Mr. Jerome Ringler was chosen as lead counsel to represent both the surviving family members of those who died and all those who were injured. This decision was based on Ringler Law Corporation's extensive experience in litigating major rail disasters. In his capacity as lead counsel, Mr. Jerome Ringler was responsible for proving all aspects of liability, i.e., fault, on behalf of the plaintiffs. In addition he represented many individual plaintiffs who sustained catastrophic injury and the heirs of many passengers who died.
Although meritorious, this case was extraordinarily difficult to bring against Metrolink for Metrolink blamed the entire fault for the accident on the operator of the Jeep even though it admitted it failed to follow its own procedures in operating the train, which, if followed, could have eliminated any injuries or death. Moreover, a jury in the criminal case against the driver of the Jeep found him guilty of 11 counts of first-degree murder. Thus, against all odds, Mr. Jerome Ringler was still able to succeed in achieving a settlement in this case, which approached $40 million.
As with many other verdicts and settlements achieved by Mr. Jerome Ringler, there were multiple articles in the news and press about this litigation. Ringler Law Corporation's website reflects some of these articles as recounted in the local news media. To learn more about Ringler Law Corporation's efforts on behalf of the victims of this tragic event, please read an October 15, 2009, article from the Los Angeles Times, or a December 30, 2009, article from the Glendale News-Press.
Call 805-719-4903, or contact Ringler Law Corporation online to schedule a consultation with an attorney at Ringler Law Corporation.
