Family of Iryna Zarutska Files Lawsuit Against City of Charlotte and Professional Security Services (PSS) Following Tragic Death on Light Rail
The family of Iryna Zarutska has filed a lawsuit against the city of Charlotte and Professional Security Services (PSS) a year after her tragic death on the light rail. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of Charlotte and PSS, citing lack of security, fare enforcement, and physical barriers on the light rail system. The lawsuit also highlights previous incidents of violence near Blue Line stops as evidence of foreseeable risks.
Attorney Lauren Newton, representing the Zarutska family, emphasized the systemic failures within the CATS system, including the absence of physical barriers and fare enforcement. The lawsuit claims that the lack of security measures contributed to Zarutska's death and calls for accountability from both the city and PSS.
The lawsuit also raises concerns about the City of Charlotte's contract with PSS, alleging that the security contractor was not fully staffed as per the contract requirements. The family is seeking monetary and punitive damages for Zarutska's wrongful death and hopes that the lawsuit will lead to improved security measures on Charlotte's public transit system.
The City of Charlotte and PSS have not responded to the lawsuit as of now. The family's attorney stresses the importance of addressing the systemic issues within the transit system to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The ultimate goal of the lawsuit is to ensure that Zarutska is remembered and to prevent such incidents from occurring again in the future.