BART Releases Death Benefits To Family

The Bay Area Rapid Transit agency has released death benefits to the family of a BART employee after being accused of delaying the payments.

BART spokesman James Allison said Wednesday the agency has sent a check to the wife of 44-year-old James Strickland, who was hit by a BART train in Concord on Oct. 14 as he inspected tracks.

The agency had insisted for months it needed more documentation.

But Allison said it will now begin paying weekly benefits to Strickland's wife and 18-year-old son. Allison did not say why the agency changed its position.

Michael Gerson, an attorney for Strickland's wife, said state law required BART to begin paying benefits within 14 days of the fatal accident because it was work-related.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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