Metro Train Smoke Accident

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Our Washington DC Metro Accident lawyers continue to watch as details surrounding last month’s deadly Metro smoke accident come to light. The DC Council convened to discuss the city’s emergency preparedness. It was revealed that the main issues affecting DC Fire & EMS emergency response on January 12 stemmed from improper radio function and a lack of first-responder training.

The January 12 accident– during which smoke filled multiple metro rail cars on the yellow line– left one woman dead and more than 80 passengers hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Some passengers waited over 40 minutes to be rescued. Kenneth Lyons, President of the DC EMS workers union, cited poor radio signals as a factor in the slow response time. Lyons stated that radios do not work well in the Metro tunnels, and one would fare better using a cell phone. Ed Smith, president of the DC Firefighters’ Association, added that emergency radio services are poor throughout the city, not just in the Metro. Like many, our Washington DC Metro accident lawyers found this information unsettling.

Additionally, concerns were raised around DC firefighters and EMS workers’ training and aptitude as first-responders to emergencies. During the DC Council hearing, it was revealed that, within the Metro system, DC fire and EMS services ranked last in first-responder training. Only 100 DC firefighters and EMTs have undergone such training, compared with 146 in Prince George’s County, 250 in Arlington County, 435 in Montgomery County, and 745 in Fairfax County.

Washington DC Metro accident lawyer Kim Brooks-Rodney is familiar with similar incidents, having represented several accident victims in the 2009 crash. Ms. Brooks-Rodney, of Cohen & Cohen, expressed hope that the judicial process would provide answers surrounding the tragedy, and lead to a safer public transportation system for all. Interim Metro General Manager Jack Requa, however, insists that Metro is safe and encourages Washingtonians to continue riding Metro, as he does regularly.

Like many Washingtonians, the personal injury lawyers at Cohen & Cohen are seeking insights into this tragedy and hope to see justice for the Metro smoke accident victims. While we sincerely hope similar incidents do not occur in the future, we also hope for a more functional radio-response system, and a better-coordinated rescue effort, should there be another accident in the future.

If you or a loved one was involved in this horrible accident, and have questions around compensation or medical care, you may reach out to our Washington DC metro accident attorneys for a free consultation.

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Cohen & Cohen has an  impeccable Client Satisfaction Rating with hundreds of
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L Proctor
August 30, 2022.
My experience with Cohen &Cohen was beyond my expectations. Jill did an amazing job with negotiating on my behalf and got me way more money than I anticipated. Thank you for having my back.
Ebony Stoutmiles
June 23, 2022.
To say that I am happy with the outcome of my case is the understatement of the century! Jill Stanley is a BEAST at what she does. That is the only way to explain it. She takes no prisoners. She and her team are very skilled and knowledgeable. I am so happy I trusted them to do their job and rolled with Jill's suggestions. I would choose Jill again 100 times. She settled my case for more than I imagined I would receive. I was literally in tears. It is the best feeling to know my pain isn't for naught. Wayne Cohen and Kristopher Yorke were nothing short of amazing. They have the patience of saints. I'm 100% certain that I got on their last nerves with my frustration and tears at every other call I had with them. Being in pain and wanting to just be able to heal was all I could focus on, but they helped me realize that I also had to focus on the bigger picture (the case) so I could put this piece behind me. As a high-strung individual with anxiety, it was hard for me to not worry and let them do their jobs, but they reassured me all of the time that they had this. To be injured before the start of the pandemic and have to receive regular, weekly treatment while others are able to stay home is anxiety inducing. I was in pain, I was anxious, and I was just hoping it all worked out. It more than worked out. I hope Jill, Siri, and Kris know how much their hard work and "hanging in there" meant to me. I am eternally grateful. I can't recommend you all enough. If you choose this law firm, you won't be sorry!
Beloved Temple
June 3, 2022.
I was very pleased with the handling of my case and settlement with Cohen& Cohen. I appreciate them, would highly recommend them.
willie howell
May 25, 2022.
COHEN & COHEN ARE THE BEST I WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CAR CRASH AND 2 YEARS LATER I HAVE RECEIVED MY SETTLEMENT I AM VERY EXCITED TO SAY BRYAN!!! IS THE MAN HE INSURED THEY WILL TAKE CARE OF ME AND THEY DID 100% ANY QUESTIONS I ASKED THEY WERE ANSWERED. Jill and SIRI WAS ALSO REMARKABLE AND SHOWED THEY REALLY CARED I RECOMMEND COHEN &COHEN TO ANYONE THEY ALSO MADE SURE I GOT MORE THAN EXPECTED WHICH WAS AMAZING I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS THANK U💯
Jose Rivera
May 25, 2022.
The legal team at cohen & cohen did a great job I really appreciate the hard work on gating my compensation in a fair amount of time. Special thanks to Kris for a wonderful job
Lea Harvey
May 25, 2022.
I had a great experience with the team at Cohen & Cohen. From my intake attorney, Adam, to the paralegal, Bryan, who worked with me regularly for months to document and prepare my case, to Jill, the attorney who secured my settlement, I feel fortunate to have had their representation and expertise on my side.
Cameron Galloway (HustleDaGod)
May 19, 2022.
Kris was phenomenal. Spectacular communication & knowledge in regards to my case. Would definitely return if I needed more legal services. 100% definitely recommend.