The Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) is facing a serious legal challenge following the tragic death of Corazon Dandan, a 74-year-old Daly City resident. The complaint was filed by Alvin Dandan and other family members in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on January 21, 2025. The lawsuit accuses BART of failing to provide adequate safety measures that led to the wrongful death of Corazon Dandan.
The plaintiffs, represented by Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP and Pritzker Levine LLP, allege that BART's negligence resulted in Corazon being pushed onto the tracks at Powell Street station by Trevor Belmont, a known criminal with a history of violent behavior. Despite Belmont's prior convictions and orders to stay away from BART stations, he managed to evade security and commit this heinous act. The plaintiffs argue that BART's failure to maintain functional security cameras and enforce fare evasion policies contributed significantly to this tragedy.
According to the complaint, BART has been aware of ongoing safety issues but has failed to take effective action. "We need strong, decisive action against crime on BART," stated Jim Wunderman from the Bay Area Council. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for wrongful death, elder abuse, and survival action. They demand that BART implement improved safety measures to prevent further incidents.
The lawsuit highlights multiple incidents of violence on BART premises and criticizes its inadequate response. It calls for accountability from BART for its alleged mismanagement and failure to protect passengers like Corazon Dandan from foreseeable harm. The plaintiffs seek both compensatory damages for their loss and injunctive relief requiring BART to address its systemic safety failures.
This case will be presided over by Judge Sahar Enayati under Case ID CGC-25-621614. Attorneys Nanci E. Nishimura, Sarvenaz J. Fahimi, Gia Jung, Vasti S. Montiel from Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP along with Elizabeth C. Pritzker and Bethany L. Caracuzzo from Pritzker Levine LLP represent the plaintiffs in this high-profile case.