Transit workers in Miami-Dade County have filed a lawsuit asking for immediate action to fix serious violations by the county’s public transportation system during the coronavirus outbreak. Miami-Dade Union officials say they have been complaining for weeks about protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention not being followed.
The lawsuit was filed last week on Friday afternoon by the transit workers union representing which is an organization that represents roughly 3,000 transit workers in South Florida. Workers claim, among several items, that officials have not provided them with sufficient masks, gloves and other protective gear. They say buses and rail cars are not properly sanitized and social distancing protocols are not being enforced. We will provide any updates as this lawsuit develops.
In Florida, all types of buses including private buses, public transit buses, school buses, tour buses, or other types of commercial passenger buses are known as “common carriers”. A common carrier has been defined as a carrier which represents that it is engaged in the business of transporting persons or property for compensation, and whose services are offered to the general public. The privilege to operate common carriers can be acquired only by governmental permit, license or franchise. The distinctive characteristic of a common carrier is that it undertakes to carry all people indifferently.
In addition to buses, the term “common carrier” for public transportation purposes also includes railroads, airplanes, taxicabs, cruise ships, and ambulance services. In order for a common carrier to operate, they must adhere to certain industry-specific regulations implemented to protect the general public. The law recognizes that a special relationship is created once a common carrier accepts a passenger for transportation. In this regard, common carriers owe a heightened duty of care to passengers and the general public. This special relationship imposes upon the common carrier the duty to exercise the highest degree of care for the safety of its passengers.
Suarez & Montero Car Accident Lawyers in Miami
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident, you may have a right to seek compensation for your losses. The Law Offices of Suarez & Montero Car Accident Attorneys is a personal injury law firm with locations in Miami and Broward. A personal injury claim can help obtain funds that cover medical expenses, lost income and other damages. You want a lawyer who will work hard on your behalf and follow through promptly on all assignments.
Let the personal injury attorneys at Suarez & Montero review the circumstances of your case and discuss your legal options. Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. The car accident attorneys at Suarez & Montero can help those of you who would like to pursue a car accident claim. To discuss how we can assist you, call us or contact us online. We encourage you to learn more about and the successes our attorneys have had on behalf of individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury in accidents involving vehicles. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.
We serve clients throughout Florida including those in the following areas:
Miami-Dade: Aventura, Coral Gables, Doral, Fontainebleau, Hialeah, Homestead, Kendall, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Lakes, North Miami, Tamiami, and Westchester.
Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Weston; and Palm Beach County including Boca Raton, Lake Worth, and West Palm Beach.
