SAN FRANCISCO — Nearly a year has passed since 74-year-old Corazon Dandan lost her life after being pushed onto the tracks at a BART station, an incident that has prompted a series of legal actions involving her family and the transit agency.
Dandan was waiting for her train after work when the tragic event occurred, leading to two significant legal cases: one against BART by her family, and another by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office against Trevor Belmont, the man accused of her death.
In recent developments, a California Superior Court has decided to allow the wrongful death lawsuit against BART to proceed. Vasti Montiel, a senior associate at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP, expressed relief that the court recognized three claims from the Dandan family, affirming that their case continues to hold merit.
The attorneys representing the family outlined the foundation of their lawsuit. “We assert that dangerous conditions on public property, including the station platform and fare gates, contributed to Corazon’s untimely death,” said Gia Jung, also a senior associate at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP. The lawsuit details claims of negligence against BART, asserting that the agency failed to uphold its responsibility to protect patrons.
Dandan’s family, including her brother Rene and nephew Alvin, shared fond memories of her in previous interviews. “She was beautiful, sweet, and kind,” said Rene. Alvin recalled how Dandan would take him out shopping and return him safely to his parents.
“This family has one goal,” Jung stated. “From the onset, they expressed the desire to ensure no other family has to endure this kind of tragedy.”
Authorities quickly apprehended Belmont, a 49-year-old homeless man, shortly after the incident. He has been charged with murder, but recent court findings have determined he is “not competent to stand trial at this time.” Criminal proceedings will be halted until he is deemed fit for trial.
In their lawsuit, the Dandan family contends that BART neglected its duty to maintain safe environments at its stations, pointing out that Belmont had a history of criminal behavior, including fare evasion on the night of the incident. “The platform lacks necessary safety barriers to prevent a tragedy like this from occurring,” Jung noted.
The Dandan family is hopeful that the outcome of this case will spark improvements within BART to enhance safety measures for its riders. “Our hope is that this will make them reconsider how they manage their platforms and systems,” Montiel said.
The family’s attorneys plan to appear in court again on June 25 to progress toward a trial date. BART officials have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the ongoing litigation.
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