Judge approves Amtrak's $265M settlement for Philadelphia train derailment

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A federal judge on Thursday approved a $265 million settlement Amtrak reached over lawsuits related to the May 12, 2015, commuter train derailment near Philadelphia that killed eight people.

More than 200 people were injured in the derailment. Amtrak was being sued primarily by plaintiffs seeking damages for personal injuries or wrongful deaths. Over 20 lawsuits were filed against Amtrak, but the cases were consolidated last year.

Investigators previously said the train, traveling from Washington, D.C., to New York, entered a curve in Philadelphia at 106 mph, well above the posted 50 mph speed limit. Amtrak previously took responsibility for the incident.

Officials found the train's engineer was distracted when he heard that a nearby train had been hit by a rock and did not realize his accelerated speed upon reaching the curve.

"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," Robert Mongeluzzi, a lawyer for a plaintiff, said Thursday.

Other plaintiffs seeking to join the settlement agreement to receive compensation have until Nov. 21 to file claims.