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Train, Station And Platform Injuries
The New York subway system is one of the largest in the world, with annual ridership of more than 1.5 billion. Considering how many people use the subway, there are relatively few accidents.
However, when an accident or train passenger injury occurs, it can be quite serious and should be immediately reported to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Whether you are injured on the stairs, platform or while on the train, getting compensation for your injuries can be difficult. You need an attorney who has experience bringing cases against the MTA, the Staten Island Rapid Transit Operating Authority and the City of New York.
I am personal injury trial attorney Ira M. Maurer. I understand the complexities of subway injury claims. For more than 30 years, I have represented injured railroad passengers and employees. I can help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income and other expenses as well as damages for your pain and suffering.
Types Of Subway Accidents
Subway accidents that occur while onboard the train can include derailment, a train stopping suddenly or two trains colliding. The force of these accidents can knock passengers over, causing broken bones, joint injuries, back and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. If the subway car crumples in a collision, passengers can be crushed. Additionally, passengers may be seriously injured if the subway doors close on their clothing or body.
Injuries sustained on the platform can be caused by many problems, including:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Defects in the platform
- Falling onto the track
- Inadequate lighting
- Insufficient security
Throughout the station, elevator, escalator, or stairway accidents can also cause injuries.
Types of Compensation
As an accident victim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages.
- Pain and suffering caused by psychological distress.
- Reimbursement for mental health counseling.
In addition to the above, you may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including punitive damages. Ira Maurer will evaluate your claim and discuss what your options are before proceeding.
Your Legal Rights as a Passenger
When you purchase a fare and enter the subway system, you have the right to a safe and properly maintained environment. The MTA and related agencies have a legal duty to protect passengers from foreseeable harm. This includes maintaining equipment, repairing hazards, and ensuring that employees are properly trained.
If that duty is breached and you are injured as a result, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering caused by your injuries. Because claims against public entities have strict notice and filing deadlines, speaking with a qualified attorney as soon as possible is essential.
What to Do After a Subway Accident
Knowing what to do after a subway accident can make a major difference in your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. Taking immediate, informed steps can ensure your safety and help secure the evidence needed for your claim.
- Get medical help right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to be examined by a doctor. Not all severe injuries are visible right away; issues like internal damage or concussions can remain hidden without medical evaluation.
- Report the accident. Notify an MTA employee, police officer, or station supervisor as soon as possible. Ask that an incident report be filed, and request a copy for your records.
- Document everything. Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any hazards that may have caused the accident.
- Collect witness information. Get names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened. Their testimony can be valuable later.
- Do not sign anything or give recorded statements. MTA representatives or insurers may contact you quickly. Speak with an attorney first to avoid saying something that could hurt your case.
- Contact an experienced subway accident lawyer. A skilled attorney who understands the complexities of MTA and public entity cases can manage critical deadlines and build a solid case on your behalf.
Common Causes of Subway and Train Injuries
Subway systems involve many moving parts — literally and legally. A large number of subway-related injuries occur because safety procedures were ignored or equipment was poorly maintained. Understanding these factors can reveal when negligence is involved.
- Operator negligence:Â Speeding, distracted driving, or failure to follow safety protocols can result in serious collisions or derailments.
- Malfunctioning equipment:Â Faulty brakes, defective doors, or signal failures can cause harm to passengers.
- Platform hazards:Â Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or defective tiles can lead to slip-and-fall accidents.
- Poor lighting or visibility:Â Dimly lit stations increase the risk of trips and assaults.
- Overcrowding:Â During rush hours, overcrowded platforms and trains heighten the risk of falls and crush injuries.
- Security lapses:Â Inadequate surveillance or staffing can make stations unsafe for passengers.
Each of these conditions may indicate that the MTA or another responsible party failed to maintain a safe environment. A skilled attorney can investigate the cause and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Why Choose Attorney Ira M. Maurer for Your Subway Accident Attorney?
Attorney Ira M. Maurer is a nationally recognized personal injury trial lawyer who has recovered over $100 million for clients during his 40-year career. Admitted to the New York Bar in 1980, he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and federal courts in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. As a founding member of the Academy of Rail Labor Attorneys and a member of the American Association for Justice and the New York State Bar Association, Mr. Maurer has extensive experience handling claims involving the MTA and subway-related injuries. His deep knowledge of railroad law, technical issues, and medical evidence gives him a strong advantage when pursuing compensation for injured subway passengers. Hablamos Español. Llame a nuestra oficina para una evaluación gratuita de su caso.
Learn About Filing A Claim
Speak with me today to ensure that you do not miss the deadline for filing a Notice of Claim on the MTA. For a free consultation with Fishkill and greater Poughkeepsie subway accident lawyer Ira Maurer, please contact The Maurer Law Firm by calling 845-896-5295.