The State : Train Crew’s Suit Falters

A federal judge said he was “inclined” to rule against Navy train crew members who filed a countersuit against maimed anti-war protester Brian Willson. Willson, 48, lost both legs and suffered severe head injuries when run over by a Navy munitions train as he lay on the tracks during a massive protest outside the station. Wilson is suing the federal government, the three members of the train crew and other individuals in connection with his Sept. 1, 1987, maiming at the Concord Naval Weapons Station. After Willson filed his suit, the train crew filed a countersuit against Willson for alleged emotional distress. U.S. District Judge Robert Peckham’s tentative rulings on pretrial motions could result in the bulk of the crew’s suit being dismissed.