Iryna Zarutska Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing: Could Inadequate Security Be to Blame?
Iryna Zarutska Light Rail Death: Family Sues Charlotte and Security Contractor Over Alleged Negligent Security
CHARLOTTE, Nc. — The family of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed aboard Charlotte’s light-rail system, has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the City of Charlotte and the private security company responsible for security services for the city’s transit system.
The lawsuit was filed approximately one year after Zarutska’s death and alleges that failures involving transit security, fare enforcement and physical barriers contributed to the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
The case names Professional Security Services (PSS), a private contractor working with the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), as a defendant.
The family is seeking monetary damages, including punitive damages, in connection with Zarutska’s death.
Beyond financial compensation, the family’s attorneys have said they hope the lawsuit leads to changes in Charlotte’s public-transit security practices and helps prevent similar attacks in the future.
Source: “‘Systemic failures’: Zarutska family sues Charlotte, security contractor 1 year after light rail death”, WBTV3, August 2026.
Have You Been Injured at a Transit Station in the United States? Our Perspective at Georgia Victims
Georgia Victims – Violent incidents occurring in transit hubs, train stations, and other public or commercial properties can raise serious questions about safety measures, security presence, and whether reasonable precautions were taken to help protect passengers, employees, and visitors.
When a violent attack occurs on public transportation or at a transit station, important questions about security, safety, and potential liability may arise, including:
- Were appropriate security measures in place at the time of the incident?
- Was security personnel or law enforcement presence sufficient for the area?
- Were lighting, surveillance cameras, or emergency response systems available and functioning?
- Had prior violent incidents or criminal activity been reported nearby?
- Were property owners, operators, or responsible entities aware of potential safety concerns?
In some situations, victims and their families may question whether negligent security or premises liability factors contributed to the incident—particularly if it occurred in a location where preventative measures may have reduced the risk.
Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact The Warlick Firm today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.
When violent incidents occur, critical legal questions may emerge about whether property owners or operators acted reasonably to address potential risks and provide a safe environment for customers and visitors.
For those hurt during a violent crime, understanding whether a property owner or operator may have failed to provide adequate security can be important. Victims of stabbings or other violent attacks at transit stations, and other commercial properties may have potential grounds for a premises liability or negligent security claim, depending on the facts uncovered during the investigation. Knowing your rights early may help protect access to medical care, financial recovery, and legal support. If you or a loved one were injured, speaking with an experienced premises liability attorney can help you better understand possible next steps and available compensation.
Were you or a loved one injured in another state? While state laws differ, property owners across the country can be held accountable when safety failures lead to violent crime or serious injury. Contact The Warlick Firm to evaluate your incident—we can help clarify your state’s premises liability standards and connect you with the legal representation you need.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does it cost to hire The Warlick Firm for a premises liability or victim representation case?
Nothing out of pocket. We work strictly on a contingency fee basis. We advance all costs required to investigate and litigate your case, and you never pay any attorney fees or expenses unless we successfully recover money for you through a settlement or court verdict.
Do you only handle cases in Georgia?
No. While our primary office is headquartered in Woodstock, Georgia, we assist victims nationwide. Regardless of which state your incident occurred in, our network evaluates claims and provides legal guidance to help victims across all 50 states access the justice and compensation they deserve.
Can your firm handle a negligent security or violent crime case if the incident occurred outside of Georgia?
Yes. While our primary office is headquartered in Woodstock, Georgia, we represent survivors and families in high-stakes violent crime and premises liability matters across the United States. Complex multi-state claims can be handled directly, through official permission from out-of-state courts.
What compensation can victims of negligent security pursue?
Victims injured in violent crimes due to inadequate security could potentially seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and ongoing rehabilitation costs.
Do you only represent victims of gun shootings?
No. We represent survivors and families impacted by all forms of violent crime resulting from inadequate security. In addition to firearm violence, our team handles cases involving physical assaults, stabbings, sexual assaults, armed robberies, and wrongful death. If you suffered harm due to a preventable violent act, we are here to support you.
Can I file a negligent security claim if the shooting or injury happened outside of Georgia
Yes. While state laws differ, property owners across the United States have a legal obligation to protect residents and visitors from foreseeable violent crime. If safety failures led to an injury outside of Georgia, The Warlick Firm can evaluate your case, help clarify your state’s premises liability laws, and guide you toward the proper legal representation to secure compensation.
Do you offer legal assistance for Spanish speaking clients?
Yes. We provide bilingual support to ensure Spanish-speaking victims and their families can comfortably navigate the legal process. From your initial free consultation through every step of your case, we offer clear communication in Spanish so language is never a barrier to justice.
Can the family of someone killed in a shooting, stabbing, or other violent crime file a lawsuit?
Potentially. Certain surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim when a person’s death was caused by another party’s negligence or other legally actionable conduct.
Do I have to pay a lawyer upfront?
Usually, no. With a contingency fee arrangement, attorney fees are generally paid from the compensation recovered in your case rather than through upfront legal fees. Request your free consultation to discuss your situation, learn about your options, and find out whether a contingency fee arrangement may be available for your case.
What evidence could help with a negligent security claim after a shooting?
Evidence may include police reports, surveillance footage, security records, witness statements, prior incident reports, photographs, medical records, and information about security measures at the property. Preserving relevant evidence can be important when investigating a potential claim.
What is wrongful death?
Wrongful death is a legal claim that may arise when someone dies because of another person or party’s negligence, wrongful act, or failure to take reasonable care. Depending on the circumstances, certain surviving family members may be able to seek compensation for losses related to their loved one’s death.
Stand Up for Your Rights Today: Request Your Free Consultation
Taking the first step toward justice should never feel intimidating or financially burdensome. Whether a violent incident occurred in metropolitan Atlanta, across Georgia, or anywhere in the United States, our legal team is ready to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into the security failures that led to your injury.
We handle every case on a strict contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, no retainers, and no legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
- Call Our Office Directly: 678-668-7000
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Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer our legal assistance, if desired. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.
When safety failures occur, the impact can be permanent. Read more about how Georgia Victims supports survivors and families across Georgia and the U.S. after violent incidents and acts of negligence. Violence in public and commercial spaces can lead to serious legal questions, especially when a victim requires a specialized catastrophic injury lawyer to navigate long-term medical needs and secure full financial recovery. Read more about the East Point MARTA station shooting and The recent bear spray incident at the Cobb County Embassy Suites.
Location of the Charlotte light-rail system where Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed. The lawsuit raises questions about transit security, staffing, and potential negligent security.
