In a gripping legal battle, the family of a deceased man is seeking justice following a tragic accident involving a train. The lawsuit was filed by Laura Mata-Garza and Virginia Acosta-Gonzalez in Harris County District Court on December 26, 2024, against Union Pacific Railroad Company and individuals Manuel N. Lujan and Lorena Lujan. The plaintiffs allege negligence on the part of the defendants that led to the death of Adan Mata.
According to the complaint, on May 5, 2023, Adan Mata was fatally struck by a Union Pacific train while driving across a railroad crossing near Barstow, Texas. The plaintiffs claim that the crossing was poorly maintained and lacked adequate warning signs or safety measures such as lights and barriers, which contributed to the hazardous conditions leading to Mata's death. "Union Pacific controlled and maintained the Crossing... yet did nothing to prevent an accident such as this one from occurring," states the complaint. It further alleges that both Union Pacific and the Lujans were aware of previous accidents at this crossing but failed to implement necessary safety improvements until after Mata's death.
The lawsuit accuses Union Pacific Railroad Company of negligence for failing to maintain a safe environment at the crossing, not adhering to its own safety protocols, and inadequately training its employees. Additionally, it claims that Manuel N. Lujan and Lorena Lujan were negligent in maintaining their property adjacent to the crossing, which allegedly obstructed drivers' views and contributed to unsafe conditions. The plaintiffs argue that these actions amounted to gross negligence due to "reckless disregard" for public safety.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages exceeding $1 million for pecuniary losses, loss of companionship, mental anguish suffered by A.G.M.A., Mata's minor child, as well as compensation for funeral expenses and other related costs. They also seek exemplary damages due to what they describe as "conscious indifference" by the defendants towards potential harm.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys John D. Sheppard, Nicholas A. Morrow, T. Braden Riley, and P. Hogan Leatherwood from Morrow & Sheppard LLP based in Houston, Texas. The case is presided over by Judge Talitha McCarty under Case ID 2024-88888 in Harris County's 215th Judicial District Court.