The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has agreed to pay $5 million to the family of Robinson Lalin, a man who tragically died after being dragged by a subway train in Boston in 2022. The settlement brings some closure to a heartbreaking case that raised serious questions about transit safety.
How the Tragic Incident Happened
On April 10, 2022, Robinson Lalin, a 39-year-old father of two, was trying to exit a subway train at a Boston station. As he stepped out of the train through a side door, his right arm got trapped in the door as it closed.
Even though modern subway trains have safety systems to detect blocked doors, the door control system short-circuited, and the train started moving. Lalin was dragged about 105 feet along the platform before his body hit a wall at the end of the station. He died from severe injuries on the spot.
What Investigators Found
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report stating that Lalin’s death could have been avoided if the train’s safety systems had worked properly. MBTA trains are designed to stay stationary if the doors are not fully closed or if something is stuck—but this feature failed due to a system malfunction.
Legal Action and MBTA’s Response
Following the tragedy, Lalin’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2023, accusing MBTA of negligence and carelessness. The complaint claimed that the agency:
- Did not maintain or inspect the train doors properly
- Failed to upgrade or remove old and unsafe subway cars
- Ignored the need for better safety systems and repairs
The lawsuit also stated that Lalin experienced pain and suffering before his death, describing the terrifying moments as he was dragged by the train.
Settlement Reached in 2025
In April 2025, a judge approved the $5 million settlement between MBTA and Lalin’s family. According to The Boston Globe, the money will be divided between Lalin’s two children and his nephew, Kelvin Lalin, who has been representing the family.
In a statement through his lawyer, Kelvin said he was grateful that the case was resolved and that the family received some justice for Robinson.
MBTA’s Safety Record Under Scrutiny
Lalin’s death took place just before a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) review in August 2022. The review ended with a 90-page report that criticized MBTA for failing to balance important safety maintenance with large construction and expansion projects.