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This settlement is closed!
Please see what other class action settlements you might qualify to claim cash from in our Open Settlements directory!
Amtrak has agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle a lawsuit that alleged some of the transportation company’s stations aren’t compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The settlement benefits mobility-impaired individuals who were harmed due to accessibility issues at certain Amtrak stations between July 27, 2013, and Dec. 2, 2020. Claimants must also have lived at, visited, or wanted to visit a location closer to that station than an accessible, alternative Amtrak station during the same period.
Amtrak operates at about 500 stations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. A list of the stations covered by this ADA violations settlement is available on the settlement website.
The lawsuit, filed by the United States government, alleged Amtrak failed to make existing stations accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those in wheelchairs, as dictated by U.S. Department of Transportation standards, resulting in ADA violations.
The U.S. claimed these ADA violations harmed Amtrak passengers who have disabilities.
Amtrak has denied the allegations and claims it is committed to making accommodations for those with disabilities.
Both parties agreed it was in everyone’s best interest — including the public’s — that the matter be resolved through a settlement.
In addition to monetary relief, Amtrak also has agreed to take several steps to ensure stations are all up to ADA standards.
When the company builds a new station or alters an existing station, it will ensure the station is accessible to and usable by people who have disabilities.
Amtrak also has agreed to continue expanding the existing ADA Stations Program, including a rolling five-year strategic plan and a Sunset Analysis for the program.
The company will also complete ADA assessments for the stations affected by the settlement at which Amtrak is responsible, either fully or in part, by Dec. 31, 2022.
A number of other agreements related to avoiding ADA violations at Amtrak stations are also included in the settlement.
Compensation for Class Members will be in two tiers — one for claimants who lived closer to an “Issue Station” than a different Amtrak station, and one for those who traveled or were deterred from traveling to an “Issue Station” — and will be determined using a point system.
Compensation for claimants who are part of Tier 1 will be three times the amount for Tier 2 claimants (i.e., three points versus one point). No claimant will be entitled to more than three points.
The claims administrator will tally the points and determine the preliminary dollar amount per point by dividing the $2.25 million settlement fund amount by the number of total points.
If that preliminary point value is not more than $833.33, the preliminary point value will become the final point value. If it does exceed $833.33, the final point value will be reduced to $833.33.
Tier 1 claimants will receive the final point value multiplied by three, while Tier 2 claimants will receive an amount equal to the final point value.
Any remaining balance will be returned to Amtrak to be used for improvements under the ADA Stations Program.
The deadline to file a claim in the Amtrak ADA violations settlement is May 29, 2021.
Who’s Eligible
Mobility-impaired individuals who were harmed due to accessibility issues at certain Amtrak stations between July 27, 2013, and Dec. 2, 2020. Claimants must also have lived at, visited, or wanted to visit a location closer to that station than an accessible, alternative Amtrak station during the same period.
Potential Award
Varies.
Compensation for Class Members will be in two tiers — one for claimants who lived closer to an “Issue Station” than a different Amtrak station, and one for those who traveled or were deterred from traveling to an “Issue Station” — and will be determined using a point system.
- Compensation for claimants who are part of Tier 1 will be three times the amount for Tier 2 claimants (i.e., three points versus one point). No claimant will be entitled to more than three points.
- The claims administrator will tally the points and determine the preliminary dollar amount per point by dividing the $2.25 million settlement fund amount by the number of total points.
- If that preliminary point value is not more than $833.33, the preliminary point value will become the final point value. If it does exceed $833.33, the final point value will be reduced to $833.33.
- Tier 1 claimants will receive the final point value multiplied by three, while Tier 2 claimants will receive an amount equal to the final point value.
Proof of Purchase
Proof of purchase is not necessary in this settlement, but claimants are asked to file a claim form that includes residency and disability information. Documentation of the difficulties the claimant encountered when attempting to travel at one of the relevant Amtrak stations is encouraged if available, but not required.
Claim Form
NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.
Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.
Claim Form Deadline
05/29/2021
Case Name
United States of America v. The National Railroad Passenger Corp. (Amtrak), Case No. 1:20-cv-03505 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Final Hearing
N/A
Settlement Website
Claims Administrator
Amtrak Disability Settlement
C/O Rust Consulting Inc. – 7156
P.O. Box 54
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0054
1-888-334-6165
Fax: 1-866-665-8480
Info@amtrakdisabilitysettlement.com
Class Counsel
Michael R. Sherwin
Acting U.S. Attorney, District of Columbia
Daniel F. Van Horn
Chief, Civil Division
John C. Truong
Assistant U.S. Attorney
Eric S. Drieband
Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division
Cynthia M. McKnight
Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Civil Rights Division
Rebecca B. Bond
Chief
Kathleen P. Wolfe
Special Litigation Counsel
Kevin J. Kijewski
Deputy Chief, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division
David W. Knight
Felicia L. Sadler
Trial attorneys, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Defense Counsel
N/A
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
354 thoughts onAmtrak Agrees to $2.25M Settlement Over Alleged ADA Violations
we sent them a letter and a email that we had a new address and no reply. still no check 04/03/2022
I don’t see any more people receiving check yet what happened ?
Anyone get their check yet?
I received my check this afternoon 19 March 2022, Satueday. Rhode Island :)!!!. There coming, many should receive by tomorrow. God Bless
I receive this email yesterday afternoon, 15 March 2022
Thank you for your e-mail.
It appears that the check will be mailed out today, 3/15/2022. If you do not receive your check in 10 business days (2 weeks) please contact us again, and we can put in a request for your check to be reissued.
Thank you
Amtrak Disability Settlement Administrator
info@AmtrakDisabilitySettlement.com
888-334-6165
In informed delivery there is a letter with “tax documents” so I’m assuming it’s the W-9. How long does it take to get your check after it’s sent back?
It has to be a check they only did 2 batches of checks the last one was sent out Tuesday.
Was it?
Did U get a check peppermint? And if so, what state do u live in?
UPDATE >> W9 – (this is for ones who sent in the W9’s). Great News! God Bless!
3/15/2022 10:43:22 AM
Thank you for your e-mail.
It appears that the checks will be mailed out today, 3/15/2022. If you do not receive your check in 10 business days (2 weeks) please contact us again, and we can put in a request for your check to be reissued.
Thank you
Amtrak Disability Settlement Administrator
info@AmtrakDisabilitySettlement.com
888-334-6165
Amtrak Disability Settlement
c/o Rust Consulting, Inc. – 7156
PO Box 54
Minneapolis MN 55440-
Just called the administrator and they told me that the second batch checks (the ones who had to send in w-9’s), are going out tomorrow, Tuesday March 15th!
Same here I’m happy
Were you told that on your specific case # and name, or generally that all of those that send in W-9s that checks are being sent today Tuesday the 19th?
I called and she was busy and could t get in touch with the supervisor yet said if I don’t get a check in within weeks to call back? What that means, I don’t know?
Also to sent.
They send checks out in batches so I’m assuming it’s for everyone. They told you to check in 2 weeks because it takes a few days for the post office to get it to you.
That comment was to you, Mark
Are these checks also be for the people who had to send in additional information and had deficiencies in their claims.
Mine was cured def. I got 3 points and mailed yesterday.
Got that too 3/15 so it’s about to hit our mailbox by Friday the latest
I received yesterday via email.
Sent: 3/15/2022 11:37:39 AM
From: amtrakdisabilitysettlement
Sent: Tue, 15 Mar 2022
Subject: RE: Important>> W-9 Tax Return Document Signed
Thank you for your e-mail.
It appears that the check will be mailed out today, 3/15/2022. If you do not receive your check in 10 business days (2 weeks) please contact us again, and we can put in a request for your check to be reissued.
Thank you
Amtrak Disability Settlement Administrator
info@AmtrakDisabilitySettlement.com
888-334-6165
At least it seems parent across the board for everyone that’s a good sign !!!
Apparent*
I am Michelle Lynn Stailey
Claimant ID # 0000048804
I submitted a claim because I am eligible and meet the criteria outlined in the lawsuit. I infact was a passenger on the train during the periods I indicated and was not accommodated for the physical disabilities that I endure on a daily with the use of a Walker. The train was not equipped with handicapped accessibilities making my trip uncomfortable and unpleasant. I help my urine for hours, unable to get to the bathroom and had great difficulty in boarding the train with my handicapped device. It is necessary and proper that I recieve compensation for my claim against Amtrack. I just recieved a DENIAL letter. I WAS NEVER asked for any documentation or anything. They should have all my boarding information! They scammed ppl so they could retrieve the leftover money!!!!!!!
Omg… that is terrible
Michelle, did you receive a letter prior to this denial letter that gave a period of time to provide information?
Any update on those of us that sent in our W9 to be verified?
Here is my update for those who got a w9 and no check for verification.
Your record has been updated. It looks like your check will be mailed out in 2-3 weeks. We do not have a specific date at this time but if you would like to contact us in a week or so we will hopefully have a mail date available