City of Ottawa reaching settlements with some Westboro bus crash victims

Lawyer Derek Nicholson has reached an agreement in principle with the City of Ottawa and its insurance provider, for “his client and others” who were injured in the OC Transpo bus crash at Westboro Station.

Nicholson sent a letter to media outlets, Wednesday, notifying them of the agreement.

According to a report from the CBC, Nicholson represents Gwen Lambert in a lawsuit, demanding $6.375-million from the city.

She was one of just 23 people injured in the January 11 crash, which also killed three people.

Another lawsuit filed by Merchant Law Group LLP over the Westboro crash is asking for $60-million.

By the look of a letter from City Clerk and Solicitor Rick O'Connor, the city could be getting set to pay more of the crash victims.

Here is the letter in full:

“Mayor Watson,  Members of Council, and Citizen Members of the Transit Commission,

The purpose of this e-mail is to advise that the City and its insurers are taking steps to make interim payments to assist those most critically injured in the tragic Westboro Station bus collision. The interim payments are being funded at this time by the insurer to provide immediate assistance to those seriously injured and their families, rather than waiting to go through the litigation process.

Arrangements for these interim payments have already been reached between legal counsel appointed by the City’s insurer and one victim represented by Mr. Derek Nicholson, a local lawyer. The City’s insurer is also reaching out to other seriously injured plaintiffs through their legal counsel.

Following the conclusion of the arrangements noted above, we understand that Mr. Nicholson has issued a letter to local media on this same matter. That letter, a copy of which was obtained via our insurer, is attached for your convenience.  In short, Mr. Nicholson notes that these interim payments “will provide early support for their recovery and ease the financial stresses arising from their injuries” and moreover, that the payments mean a “great deal in terms of assisting those who are struggling following this tragedy.”

The City, in concert with its insurer, continues to address claims arising from the collision.

I trust that the above is satisfactory.

M. Rick O’Connor, CMO | OMA
Certified Specialist (Municipal Law: Local Government) 
City Clerk and Solicitor”