Tragedy strikes at a level crossing due to failures by Network Rail.
February 01, 2012
Posted by:Abbie Hickson
Network Rail yesterday indicated guilty pleas to breaches of health & safety laws which resulted in two girls aged 13 and 14 tragically losing their lives at a level crossing in 2005.
It has been reported that Network Rail admitted to “failing to carry out a sufficient risk assessment, failing to properly control protective measures at the level crossing and failing to prevent the girls from being exposed to the risks which led to their deaths.“
Network Rail has promised that safety at level crossings will be improved. David Higgins, chief executive of Network Rail, said “in recent years we have reassessed all of our 6,500 level crossings and closed over 500. I accept that there is still a long way to go but we are making progress."
Unfortunately fatal accidents caused by the negligence of others are not uncommon. The personal injury team at Bolt Burdon Kemp specialise in dealing with claims involving such accidents. A claim may be brought by the dependants of the deceased if they have suffered financial loss as a result of the deceased’s death. It may also be possible in certain circumstances for compensation to be awarded to the deceased’s estate.
If you would like advice about a potential claim please do not hesitate to contact us.