Philadelphia PATCO Accident Lawyer

Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) is a government-owned entity. If you were hurt in an accident caused by this entity’s negligence, you can seek compensation. However, the process of damage recovery is more complicated than in a regular personal injury case.

An experienced Philadelphia PATCO accident lawyer could help you follow the correct procedure for filing a claim against this organization and getting the money you deserve.

Common PATCO Accidents

While commuter rail accidents do not occur daily, when they do happen, the damage can be severe. The types of accidents that often lead to lawsuits against PATCO are:

• Train Collisions: Collisions can occur between trains or between a train and an object or vehicle on the tracks.
• Platform Falls: Slippery surfaces or inadequate warning signs on platforms can lead to falls.
• Sudden Stops or Starts: A train that jerks to a sudden stop without warning can cause standing passengers to fall or seated riders to be thrown forward.
• Door Malfunctions: Passengers may become trapped in malfunctioning train doors or injured if the doors close improperly.
• Onboard Injuries: Inadequate handrails or broken seats can lead to avoidable injuries. PATCO has a duty to ensure safe and sanitary conditions for all riders.

Regardless of the cause, a competent attorney in Philadelphia could investigate the PATCO accident and find opportunities to prove negligence.

Complexities of PATCO Claims

Filing a claim against PATCO requires a well-thought-out legal approach. Some nuances that make damage recovery difficult are:

Short Statute of Limitations

In Pennsylvania, the injured party only has six months to file a claim against government entities like PATCO. If they miss the deadline, the case is highly likely to be dismissed regardless of its strength. This window is much shorter than the two-year limit set for regular personal injury cases.

Meanwhile, before filing a lawsuit, the injured person has to submit a notice of intent to sue to PATCO. This notice should be drafted according to strict requirements. An improperly completed or served notice could lead to case dismissal.

Higher Burden of Proof

In a case against PATCO, the burden of proving negligence is more demanding than in traditional personal injury cases. The court may require a higher level of documentation and expert testimony to establish that the agency failed in its duty of care.

Damage Caps

The law imposes a cap on how much money a government agency can pay to the injured party. In Pennsylvania, the payout limit for each person is $250,000 and $1M per accident. Even if the injured party’s losses exceed the amount, they may not be able to recover them, especially in a multi-person accident.

An experienced PATCO accident lawyer in Philadelphia could help navigate these complexities and protect the injured person’s rights in the case.

Consult a Seasoned PATCO Accident Attorney in Philadelphia Today

If you sustained injuries when using public transportation operated by PATCO, you may be eligible for compensation. Fighting for your rights against a government entity is always complicated. The assistance of an experienced Philadelphia PATCO accident lawyer could help you receive the money you deserve.

At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., we have extensive experience dealing with PATCO, SEPTA, and other government-owned transportation entities. Call us to schedule a consultation today.