News
Amtrak to Pay $2.25 Million Dollars for Harm Caused by inaccessible Train Stations
February 4, 2021
Claims must be filed by May 29, 2021
Do you have a mobility disability? Have you suffered physical or emotional harm at the train station in Dillon, SC because it was not accessible to people with mobility disabilities? Did this happen between July 27, 2013, and December 2, 2020? If so, you can turn in a claim for compensation from a $2.25 million dollar fund. Claims must be filed by May 29, 2021. Dillion is just one of 78 stations in the country covered by the claim fund and you can file for harm you suffered at any of them.
The US Department of Justice and America’s passenger rail system, AMTRAK, have just settled a lawsuit. AMTRAK agreed to compensate individuals harmed because of accessibility issues at 78 stations across the country. The only station listed in South Carolina is in Dillon.
Who is Eligible
Anyone with a mobility disability who suffered either physical or emotional harm because of an accessibility issue at one or more of the 78 stations across the US. The full list of stations is at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/225-million-fund-available-justice-department-settlement-amtrak The harm must have happened between July 27, 2013 and December 2, 2020.
Accessibility issues include: Inaccessible parking, steep slopes or steps to get to the station, lack of directional signs, inaccessible toilet rooms, high ticket counters, deteriorated train platforms or narrow travel routes to or in the station.
How to File Claims (Due by MAY 29, 2021):
- On Line by completing a claim form at https://amtrakdisabilitysettlement.com/Claim-Form?portalid=0
- Email: by sending your name/address/phone to [email protected]
- Call: the Fund Administrator at 888 334 6261 or TTY 866 411-6976
- Mail claim form to AMTRAK DISABILITY SETTLEMENT, C/O Rust Consulting, Inc.—7156, PO Box 54, Minneapolis MN 55440-0054
AMTRAK has also agreed to make stations accessible, educate staff on requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and implement an ADA complaint process. AMTRAK has set up an official to coordinate ADA compliance.
In 2013, Disability Rights South Carolina conducted accessibility surveys of six AMTRAK stations in South Carolina. This was part of a national survey project by National Disability Rights Network. The results were provided to the US Department of Justice.
Questions? Contact the Settlement Administrator, by
E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 888 334-6165 (OR TTY 866 411-6976)