News
Queen of the North, BC Ferry Accident
Hanson Wirsig Matheos is continuing to act as lawyers for the class of persons who were passengers (and dependants of passengers) on the Queen of the North’s last voyage, along with Mr. David Varty. The firms have been busy with extensive legal work associated with the case. Recently, the Court certified the case as a class action concerning the claims of passengers on board the “Queen of the North” during her last voyage and their “dependants” (family members). Please review the following documents regarding the common issues and requirements for participation:
- Nov 26, 2007 – Certification Order
- Letter to Passengers and Dependants
- Notice to Passengers and Dependants
- Form – List of Dependants
- Form –Questionnaire
- Amended Writ and Statement of Claim
- Authorization for Release of Patient Information
Queen of the North, BC Ferry class action update:
Following certification of the claim as a class action in November 2007, the deadline for passengers to opt in or out of the class action was March 14, 2008. Pursuant to the Marine Liability Act, dependants of the passengers who are members of the class action are entitled to compensation for losses suffered. Hanson Wirsig Matheos and Mr. David Varty, as counsel for the class members, have compiled a List of Dependants after consultation with the individual class members.
The Defendant BC Ferry Services Inc. has admitted liability in its pleadings. After careful consideration, we have, on instruction from the Representative Plaintiffs, abandoned the claims against the individual crew members and will proceed only against the Defendant BC Ferry Services Inc. We have further abandoned the claim for recklessness, punitive and aggravated damages. These steps were taken to narrow the issues and bring the claim closer to a resolution. The class action is proceeding against BC Ferry Services Inc. on the basis of common law damages suffered by the class members. At this time, we are in contact with the class members to assess the damages suffered.