Verdicts Settlements

After intensive litigations surrounding the devastating train collision in Placentia, California on April 23, 2002, between a BNSF freight train, and a Metrolink commuter train, the litigation has finally concluded.  Aitken*Aitken*Cohn obtained millions of dollars in settlements for our 21 clients injured in this completely preventable catastrophe, the worst of its kind in the history of Orange County, and, at the time, the worst collision in Metrolink’s history.

Not only did Aitken*Aitken*Cohn tirelessly and vigorously represent our own clients, but by appointment of the Orange County Superior Court,  Aitken*Aitken*Cohn served as lead counsel on behalf of all plaintiffs, working directly with the Court and the attorneys for the defendants to protect the rights of all of the injured rail passengers.    Having successfully fulfilled this prestigious court appointment, Aitken*Aitken*Cohn is uniquely privileged to represent passengers injured in train collisions and the families of loved ones who needlessly die in these horrible tragedies. 

Railroad transportation, though the source of great federal regulation, has come under increased scrutiny over the years by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who is charged with investigating major transportation incidents (i.e. train collisions, airplane crashes, etc.).  Although technology exists to prevent head-on train collisions,  the Railroad Companies have refused to adopt this technology to make railway travel safe, despite the fact that the NTSB has been urging Railroad Companies to adopt these safety systems for over twenty years. 

Aitken Aitken & Cohn was proud to lead the litigation against Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railway and Metrolink as a result of the Placentia train collision, and will continue to be on the front line of all railway collisions to fight for safer travel for railroad passengers and urge railroads to adopt additional safety measures. 

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