Harvey Peeler

A state lawmaker has filed legislation he hopes will help the more than two dozen injured in a children’s train ride crash in Spartanburg.

Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler says the bill he filed Wednesday would exclude medical expenses from the current liability cap that protects the government from paying unlimited damages.

That cap is currently set at $600,000 per occurrence, regardless of the number of government entities involved.

The Gaffney Republican says the bill would need to be retroactive to help people hurt in the March 19 crash at Spartanburg’s Cleveland Park. Twenty-seven people were injured. Six-year-old Benji Easler was killed.

If passed, Peeler’s bill would allow people to recover all medical costs and lost earnings but would lower the limit on other damages like pain and suffering.

Courtesy of The Associated Press