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Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Subway Accident in New York City?
When it comes to navigating the intricacies of subway accident claims, you need a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the system.
Our dedicated attorneys have a proven track record of successfully representing clients and securing substantial settlements. With us by your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.
Don’t wait another day to take action. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation, and let us fight for justice on your behalf. Your road to recovery starts here.
What is a Subway Accident?
A subway accident refers to an incident that occurs within the NYC Subway system, often resulting in injuries or damage. These accidents can take place on subway platforms, where commuters gather while waiting for their trains.
They can also occur due to equipment failures, such as malfunctions with trains, tracks, or signaling systems. Subway accidents can lead to various injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe ones like fractures, head injuries, or even fatalities.
As an intricate public transportation system, the New York City Subway sees millions of riders each day, making it an unfortunate hotspot for accidents.
While the subway is generally a safe mode of transportation, these devastating accidents can occur due to various factors such as subway operator error, equipment malfunctions, or maintenance negligence.
Types of Subway-Related Accidents
Subway-related accidents in New York City encompass a wide range of incidents, which can result in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities.
- Derailments: A derailment happens when a subway train leaves its tracks. This can occur due to track defects, excessive speed, or equipment malfunctions. Derailments can lead to injuries and service disruptions.
- Train Collisions: A subway accident, in casual terms, refers to a major crash that happens when two public transit trains crash into each other.
These incidents can occur due to signal failures, mistakes made by the train operators, or when something blocks the tracks. - Slips, Trips, and Falls: Subway accidents can include slips, trips, and falls that happen on train platforms or even while inside the train itself. Passengers may slip on wet or slippery floors, trip over uneven surfaces, or lose their balance due to overcrowding. These accidents can lead to a range of injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and bruises.
- Platform Edge Incidents: Platform edge accidents involve passengers falling or being pushed onto the subway tracks through the platform gaps, which are the spaces between the platform edge and the train itself.
These gaps can pose a risk of accidents for passengers, especially if they step or fall into them. These incidents can occur due to overcrowding, intoxication, sudden movements, or altercations between passengers. They pose a severe risk to passengers' lives. - Electrocutions: Subway systems rely on electricity to power trains and provide lighting. Electrocutions can occur when passengers come into contact with electrified components, such as the third rail, due to accidents, trespassing, or vandalism.
- Mechanical Failures: These accidents may be the result of issues like malfunctioning door mechanisms that can lead to passengers getting trapped, or brake failures that can result in collisions or derailments.
Such accidents can cause a range of injuries to individuals using the subway, often requiring medical attention and potentially impacting their lives. - Fire and Smoke Incidents: Fire and smoke incidents can be caused by electrical faults, overheated equipment, or arson. These dangerous situations can lead to panic, respiratory issues, and injuries as passengers attempt to escape.
- Track-Related Accidents: Accidents involving maintenance or construction workers on subway tracks can result in severe injuries or fatalities. These incidents can occur due to communication breakdowns or failure to follow safety protocols.
Related Information
Common Injuries Caused by Subway Accidents
Subway accidents can result in a range of injuries, some of which can have devastating and long-lasting effects on victims. Common injuries include the following:
- Bone Injuries: Subway accidents can lead to bone injuries, including fractures and breaks. Passengers may suffer these injuries when they are jolted or thrown during a collision or fall within the subway car.
Fractures can range from minor hairline fractures to more severe compound fractures, depending on the force of impact. - Head Injuries: Head injuries are a significant concern in subway accidents. Passengers may experience head trauma due to sudden stops, collisions, or objects falling within the subway car.
Head injuries can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries, which can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and overall health. - Dismemberment: While less common, severe subway accidents can result in dismemberment, where passengers may lose limbs or extremities. This is an extremely traumatic injury with life-altering consequences, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a subway accident can lead to internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can have serious, even life-threatening, consequences if left untreated.
- Muscle and Ligament Injuries: Subway accidents can cause various soft tissue injuries, including muscle strains, sprains, and ligament tears. Passengers may experience these injuries from sudden movements, falls, or impacts, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Paralysis: In catastrophic cases, subway accidents can result in spinal cord injuries, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have a profound impact on a person's quality of life, requiring ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
- Death: Tragically, some subway accidents can result in fatalities. Fatalities may occur due to the severity of the collision, fire, or other factors. These accidents highlight the importance of subway safety measures and accident prevention.
In 2022, the United States recorded 950 rail fatalities and approximately 6,400 non-fatal injuries on the railroads. [1]
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Subway Accident Claim in New York City
In New York City, the statute of limitations for filing a subway accident claim is an important aspect to consider when seeking compensation for injuries and damages. For personal injury cases, including subway accidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Additional Time Restrictions for Claims
When it comes to claims against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which operates the subway system, a different procedure applies. Within 90 days of the accident, the injured party must file a Notice of Claim with the MTA.
This notice must outline the details of the accident and the injuries sustained. Failure to file the Notice of Claim within this timeframe can result in the dismissal of the claim against the MTA.
Why You Need a New York City Subway Accident Attorney
When it comes to a personal injury lawsuit stemming from a New York subway accident, you need to find the right law firm and attorney to handle your personal injury claim. That’s where we at Goldberg & Loren come in. We are experienced train accident lawyers who know the ins and outs of personal injury law, especially when it comes to subway accidents.
Our personal injury attorneys are highly qualified with ample experience. We have handled countless cases involving subway accidents.
Have You or a Loved One Been Involved in a Subway Accident in New York City?
If you’re a victim of a subway accident, seeking legal representation is important. Our passionate legal team is committed to advocating for your rights and ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial damages these accidents can bring, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Goldberg & Loren law firm today to schedule a free consultation and begin your journey towards justice. Don’t wait; let us fight for your rights and help you get the fair compensation you need.
Source:
[1] Rail accidents in the U.S. 2022 | Statista. (2023, August 29). Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/204569/rail-accidents-in-the-us/.
We're all about fighting hard for our clients who've been victims of subway accidents in New York City. Our personal injury lawyers are totally dedicated to getting them the maximum compensation they deserve. Reach out today for a free consultation.
