(The following appeared at KATC.com on May 20.)
LAFAYETTE, La. — Since Saturday’s derailment at least two class action lawsuits have been filed on behalf of the evacuees.
At least two firms are asking evacuees to join their class action lawsuits against Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway. Attorneys are representing victims for damages they may have sustained now or in the future.
“You never know what’s going to come about this in the future, Just think, that’s hydrochloric acid that we inhaled,” said evacuee Takara Williams.
Meanwhile, BNSF continues to operate a speedy claims center at the Cajundome. Hundreds already received a check from BNSF and signed forms releasing the company from future damages.
Many evacuees who suffered skin, eye and lung complications didn’t want to wait for a legal showdown. “I just want the money for the damage that we suffered,” said Gwendolyn Oscar.
So far, hundreds of residents have settled claims with the railway company. “The most important thing that we’re worried about right now is making sure that people that have been displaced are getting taken care of, that’s our sole motivation,” said claims director Tom Wilson.
But lawyers say, with the investigation still going, it’s just too soon to have people sign away their legal rights. “The big concern among most folks is that the claim process is a rush, they are being filmed, forced to sign things in order to get checks that may not be sufficient for their damages,” said attorney Jay Suire with Glenn Armentor Law Corporation.
Even though the claims center closes Friday, BNSF told KATC there’s no deadline to submit a claim to be compensated.
A company spokesperson says BNSF is processing about 60 claims an hour.