What do I do if I am injured in a subway accident?
The New York City Subway is one of the most extensive and heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. More than 5.5 million rides are recorded every single weekday and ridership continues to increase year after year. While accidents in the New York City Subway system are rare, given the sheer number of riders and usage, they do happen on occasion.
Recently, the subway system was officially placed in a state of emergency after a series of train derailments, track fires, and overcrowding incidents, which called attention to problems that are cropping up due to the age of the system and the current state of maintenance and disrepair.
The New York City Transit Authority is the entity that is responsible for operating all aspects of the subway system, including repairs to trains and stations, conducting inspections, overseeing operations, and maintaining a safe environment for passengers.
Subway accidents include more than crashes and derailments. Indeed, the majority of accidents reported in the New York City Subway system are from trips, slips, and falls on stairs, which generally occur when someone is in a rush.
Other possible subway accidents and injuries include:
- Subway door mishaps
- Sudden train stops
- Turnstile injuries
- Platform injuries
- Electrocution
- Poor lighting
- Poorly maintained premises
- Operator error
- Broken or malfunctioning equipment
- Obstructed paths
- Lack of warning signs.
If hazardous subway or subway station conditions cause an accident and results in someone being hurt or killed, the NYCTA may be held legally responsible.
While many New York City subway accident victims suffer only minor bumps and bruises, some injuries can be much more severe, resulting in neck injuries (such as whiplash), spinal cord injuries, back injuries, fractured bones, amputations, cuts and lacerations, and burns, among others.
Recovering from injuries suffered in a subway accident may require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases, permanent lifestyle modifications. The medical bills will start to pile up and income will often be lost as a result of missed work.
Obtaining compensation, either in the form of a settlement or at trial, is often the only way that victims of subway accidents can overcome the financial hardships caused by a New York City subway accident.
It is important to note that unlike a traditional personal injury claim, there are a number of unique factors surrounding a New York City subway accident claim. First and foremost, since the NYCTA is a public authority, that means that the filing deadlines are shorter. You only have 90 days to file a claim with the NYCTA or any claim you make will be automatically dismissed. For this reason, it is imperative that you contact a subway injury attorney in New York City as soon as possible following your accident.
The team at Greenberg & Stein has over 75 years of combined experience and has handled cases involving many different types of subway accidents. They are known for taking on, and winning, difficult cases. Attorneys from our firm have received recognition from prestigious organizations such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum as well as the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a rare honor that less than 1 percent of attorneys ever receive.
Every subway accident claim is different, and you can count on our personalized and dedicated service to fully investigate your claim and to collect the evidence and testimony necessary to put forward the strongest possible case on your behalf.
We offer a free consultation and a 24-hour phone line, so don’t hesitate to call us following a subway accident in New York City. Call us today at 888-411-3966 to schedule your free legal consultation.