National rail operator Amtrak has agreed to settle claims from the Philadelphia train crash last year which killed eight and injured more than 200.
Amtrak will pay $265 million to dozens of plaintiffs after Judge Legrome Davis sign off the settlement, which is one of the biggest ever in the rail industry.
Under the terms, two officials will evaluate all claims and decide on payouts.
Thomas Kline, committee chair of the plaintiffs’ legal teams said payouts will be received by August 2017.
The National Transportation Safety Board said the train was traveling at twice the allowed speed on a curved section of the track outside Philadelphia when it crashed.
Almost from the outset Amtrak admitted liability.
Speaking of the speed at which claims are being settled, lawyer Robert Mongeluzzi said: "This outcome is historic, not only because of the result, but because of the relatively short period of time – from inception of litigation to reaching this agreement – and actual compensation to the victims."
