San Francisco news reports that the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has agreed to pay $900,000 to the widow of an Oakland Tribune Journalist fatally struck by a Muni Metro train. According to sources, the agency agreed to settle the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Daryl Brand, widow of Bill Brand. The accident occurred while Brand was walking in a crosswalk approaching the Muni platform.
Brand, a nationally known beer critic was on his way home to Berkeley following an event. Despite seeing Brand in the crosswalk, the driver of the Muni train failed to slow or signal him of the oncoming train. Brand was struck by the train and knocked into a light pole. As a result of the incident, Brand slipped into a coma then died 12 days later.
A wrongful death lawsuit is similar to a personal injury claim but is brought by the surviving family member of an individual killed as the result of careless, recklessness or negligence of another. Many times, it may be possible to recover compensation such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and emotional distress. If you have questions about wrongful death lawsuits, it is a good idea to consult with a knowledgeable San Francisco wrongful death attorney right away. A dedicated wrongful death lawyer can answer your personal injury questions and determine your next steps.
In this instance, Muni officials denied any wrongdoing. No other details of the settlement are known.
A representative of the family notes: "Daryl Brand and Bill Brand are the most extraordinarily kind and decent people I've ever met …Hopefully, in some small way, this brings a measure of relief to Daryl for her immeasurable loss."
If you have questions or for more information about wrongful death lawsuits, please contact the dedicated San Francisco wrongful death lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.