The annual ridership of the New York City subway is 1.7 billion. Subways are part of the everyday commute of millions of New Yorkers. The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is responsible for hundreds of subway stops and subway cars and must keep them safe and reasonably free from hazards. Despite this death and serious injuries do occur, and are caused in a variety of ways.
Subway Slip and Falls
Like any property owner, the MTA has a responsibility to keep subway stairs, platforms and stations safe for passengers. Issues such as poor upkeep, failure to repair leaks or broken steps and failure to ensure that passengers can board and depart the train safely can all lead to serious injuries for those who use the subway system. Sources of subway slip and falls both inside the subway cars and in the station include:
- Cracks in floors or steps
- Excessive gaps between the platform and the subway car
- Broken seats and railings
- Ceiling collapses, like the recent one in Brooklyn
Subway Collisions and Accidents
Given the number of people that are usually crowded onto a train, subway accidents and collisions can be devastating. Subway collisions and other accidents can be caused by such factors as:
- Wide gaps between platform and subway
- Subway doors closing prematurely on passengers
- Derailment—even in minor situations people can be injured
- Faulty or improperly maintained trains
- Driver error caused by improper training or driver impairment
- Collisions with other trains
Injuries sustained in subway accidents can cause serious injuries that require long-term care and even fatalities.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Lawsuits against the MTA are different from typical accident lawsuits. For one thing, in order to sue the MTA, you must first file a written notice of claim within 90 days of your accident. If you fail to file a timely notice of claim, and you fail to obtain a judge’s permission to file a late notice of claim, you can’t bring a lawsuit against the MTA regardless of whether or not you have grounds for a suit.
If you’ve been injured on or around the subway, it is important to act quickly because there are crucial deadlines that must be met in filing a claim against the MTA. You should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us onlineor call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español