More Funds Sought for California Train Crash Victims

Members of California’s congressional delegation are calling on a company to set aside substantially more money to compensate victims of a 2008 commuter train crash in Los Angeles County.

The 17 lawmakers argue that medical bills, lost income and other damages are sure to exceed the $200 million that Veolia Environment has agreed to pay. That amount equals the liability cap that Congress established for rail accidents.

Veolia is a French company whose subsidiary employed the engineer cited by federal officials as responsible for the crash.

Signing on to the letter sent Monday were 15 Democrats and two Republicans. They say the company can stand behind the cap and leave victims without just compensation, or it can ensure that victims are able to pay their medical bills and meet other expenses.