Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
"Big Dig" Car Accidents That Result in Wrongful Death in Massachusetts
Five people have been killed in Massachusetts car accidents in the tunnels related to the Big Dig, also known as the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T). These are a series of tunnels that go underneath the city of Boston rather than through it. A total of 7 motorists’ deaths have been related to the Big Dig and the handrails put in place to keep construction workers from tumbling down into traffic.
When the Government is Liable for Your Car Accident
When a public project like the Big Dig causes serious injuries or death, the government entity running that project can be held liable. But how does one go about suing the government for something as large and expansive as a public works project, ostensibly built to aid citizens?
Testimony by experts is a critical part of any lawsuit. Your personal injury lawyer can help you gather expert testimony to present at court. If you or a loved one has been injured because of safety oversights with government construction projects or roadway hazards, know that you do have rights in such a situation.
It will help your case to determine if other people have been negatively affected by a particular construction site or government-installed safety device, such as guardrails, cement barriers or construction barrels and the like. Considering all the pressures that you have at this time, it would be a good idea to turn your case over to an experienced professional Andover personal injury lawyer.
More on The Big Dig Lawsuits
Several lawsuits have been filed in connection with the Big Dig. One of the more notable cases originated from the widow of State Trooper Vincent Cila who was killed in 2005 after crashing into the Big Dig handrails on his motorcycle. The vertical posts that hold up the handrails have been targeted as the cause of death, as the edges “act like blades in a paper cutter” according to the lawsuit.
Both the government and program manager Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff are targeted with lawsuits related to the Big Dig. State Senate President Therese Murphy called for the Department of Transportation to review both the design and safety of the handrails. Besides the vertical posts, detractors claim that the horizontal bars are placed both too far apart (drivers get entangled in them) and too close to the ground at 3 feet high (close to head height in automobiles and motorcycles).
Suing a government entity in the event of a fatal accident connected with a government project or roadway barrier is very different than suing a private citizen or company. There are specific procedures and timelines that must be followed. It’s important to choose an attorney who understands how to handle lawsuits against the State. The Boston car accident lawyers at Kiley Law Group will work with you on a contingent fee basis so there are No Fees unless we win your case!
Call 1-888-208-1695 now to schedule a Free Consultation of your case.
