LEWISVILLE, Ark., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Arkansas families whose loved ones were either killed or injured in accidents involving Union Pacific Railroad between 1992 and 2005 and who later settled with the company are being notified they have been certified as a legal class to pursue additional compensation for their claims.
On April 11, 2008, Judge Hudson, determined that a class action should proceed in the case of Victor S. Vickers, et al. v. Union Pacific Railroad, et al. Case No. CV-2005-005-2, and last week directed the giving of this notice to all class members:
"IF YOU SETTLED A PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM WITH UNION
PACIFIC FROM 1992 TO FEBRUARY 14, 2005, AND YOU WERE AN UNREPRESENTED,
NON-RAILROAD EMPLOYEE AND A CITIZEN OF ARKANSAS, YOU ARE A CLASS MEMBER."
All persons in Arkansas who fit this description are urged to contact the Duncan Firm at 877-638-6226 or http://www.duncanfirm.com/ for more information. The class does not include railroad employees.
Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge Jim Hudson issued a court order May 29, 2008 instructing class attorneys to begin notifying all Arkansans of their right to pursue legal action against Union Pacific for violating the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices act. The railroad is accused of pressuring families and individuals to settle claims against the company without legal representation, and for illegally engaging in the practice of law. Union Pacific denies any wrongdoing.
"We know of more than 100 Arkansans affected by this class action certification, but we believe there are probably many more," said Phillip Duncan. Tom Jones and Mike Roberts also are attorneys representing the class members.
Union Pacific has filed a notice to appeal Judge Hudson's decision to certify the class. The case is scheduled to move forward on a class-wide basis. However, no trial date has been scheduled.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Duncan Firm
501-228-8102
877-638-6226
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