New York’s subway is a massive system that spans over (660) miles. Due to the state’s already dense population, the subway is the primary mode of transportation for many residents and tourists. However, with this heavy traffic and equally heavy use, injuries are alarmingly commonplace.
From slips and falls to serious collisions, subway accidents happen more often than you might think. When you consider that more than three (3) million rides are taken each day, it’s a bit easier to imagine. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York City subway accident, understanding your rights is crucial.
With over (150) years of combined experience, the award-winning legal team of Schwartzapfel Lawyers has been fighting for the rights of injured New Yorkers for more than four decades. So, please, don’t face the aftermath of a New York subway accident alone — you don’t have to.
Instead, act now and call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation with us online today. No matter your situation, we’re ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and help you get all the money and benefits you’re entitled to.
What Types Of Subway Accidents Can Occur?
Subway accidents can happen in various ways, often resulting in serious injuries. Let’s take a moment to discuss the most common types of accidents to occur on New York’s subway system:
Slip, Trip & Fall Accidents
Subway platforms and stairs can be hazardous, especially when wet or poorly maintained. Wet floors, debris, and inadequate lighting are among the most common culprits behind slip, trip and fall accidents. Circumstances involving these and other hazardous settings can lead to broken bones, head injuries, and even spinal damage.
Assaults & Violence
Unfortunately, subways can also be the scene of assaults and violence. Insufficient security measures can contribute to these risks, leaving passengers vulnerable to physical and psychological harm.
Making matters worse, violence and random attacks are on the rise, with New York subway murders in 2024 seeing a shocking (53) percent increase in 2023. This troubling increase in violence speaks to the importance of determining liability, including whether transit authorities and property owners have failed in their duty to protect passengers, which could form the basis for personal injury claims.
Train Accidents & Malfunctions
Train derailments, collisions, and sudden stops can cause catastrophic injuries. Passengers may suffer severe trauma, internal bleeding, and, in the worst cases, wrongful death.
No matter what type of subway accident you’ve experienced, Schwartzapfel Lawyers is here to help. We urge you to contact us right away so we can get you all the money and benefits you’re entitled to. Simply dial 516-342-2200 or connect with us online today!
Who Is At Fault In Subway Accidents?
Determining who’s at fault after a subway accident isn’t always straightforward. While we all hope for a safe commute, the reality is that responsibility can fall on multiple parties’ shoulders.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) oversees New York City’s subway system. With this responsibility, the MTA is effectively charged with:
- Maintaining safe premises
- Ensuring proper lighting, clear signage, and functional equipment
- Enforcing safety regulations and providing adequate security measures
- Implementing regular safety audits and emergency response plans
- And beyond!
When the MTA fails in these duties, it opens the door to potential negligence claims. A slippery platform due to a leak, a broken escalator, or inadequate security can all point to negligence on the MTA’s part. If their failure to maintain safe conditions directly caused your injuries, you might have a strong case against them.
Note: The MTA isn’t the only party that could be held accountable. In many subway construction projects, the MTA hires contractors and subcontractors to handle specific tasks. If their negligence — say, leaving debris on the platform or failing to properly secure a work zone — contributes to an accident, they can also be held liable.
Equipment Manufacturers
Similarly, equipment manufacturers play a role. If a defective train component, malfunctioning signal, or faulty escalator causes an accident, the manufacturer could be held liable for damages.
Individual Assailants
Because these cases are so complicated legally and consist of advanced technical issues, they demand an in-depth investigation to pinpoint the cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties.
Sometimes, the liability might rest with another individual entirely. For instance, if you were assaulted in the subway, the assailant would be held responsible. In cases where inadequate security measures contributed to the assault, the MTA might share some of the blame.
The key takeaway here is this: Liability in subway accidents can be a multifaceted issue. While the MTA often plays a central role, other parties like contractors, manufacturers, and even individuals can share the responsibility. Unraveling the chain of events and determining who’s at fault requires meticulous investigation and a thorough understanding of the legal system.
That’s where Schwartzapfel Lawyers comes in. We know how to investigate the details, identify all potentially liable parties, and build a strong case in order to get you all the money and benefits you deserve.
So, please, don’t try to take on your subway accident claim alone; let us be your trusted advocate, both in and out of court.
How Can You Get Compensation For Subway Injuries?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York City subway accident, you may be facing a mountain of medical bills, missed work, and the physical and emotional toll of the injury itself. To assist, below are some of the more common types of compensation available for personal injury claims to support financial recovery:
Medical Expenses
This compensation includes all costs related to your treatment, from ambulance rides and emergency room visits to surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. It also covers any future medical care you may need as a result of your injuries.
Lost Wages & Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you’ve lost. If your injuries are so severe that they impact your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be able to recover damages for lost earning capacity.
Pain & Suffering
This encompasses the physical pain and discomfort you’ve experienced due to your injuries. It also includes emotional distress and the impact on your overall quality of life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the non-economic damages you have endured.
Emotional Distress
Subway accidents can be traumatic, leading to anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Compensation for emotional distress can help you access the therapy and support you need. Additionally, it can provide relief from the financial burden of treatment, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Wrongful Death Damages
In tragic cases where a subway accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may be able to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the profound emotional loss they’ve suffered.
Securing this compensation is rarely simple. That’s why having an experienced legal team on your side is crucial. A skilled subway accident attorney can guide you through the entire legal process, from filing your claim to gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies.
They’ll build a winning case on your behalf, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. So, don’t underestimate the value of legal representation. If your case goes to court, a skilled attorney can be your advocate, fighting for your rights and interests every step of the way.
Remember, the aftermath of a subway accident can be overwhelming. Let the experienced attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers handle the legal battles while you focus on what’s most important: your healing and recovery. Call us now at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation online today. Your well-being is our top priority.
What Steps Should You Take After A Subway Accident?
The moments after a subway accident can be chaotic and confusing. Knowing what to do next can make seeking compensation much less stressful.
First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Some injuries might not be immediately apparent, and a doctor can assess your condition and document your injuries. This documentation is essential for any future compensation claims.
Next, get in touch with a qualified subway accident attorney as soon as possible. Schwartzapfel Lawyers can help you fully understand your rights. We’ll help gather evidence, and we’ll even negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf as we fight for the compensation and benefits you deserve.
After that, you should promptly report the accident to the MTA’s authorities. To this end, be sure to get a copy of the report, as this can later on serve as evidence that an official record exists.
Finally, you should gather evidence at the scene, if it is possible and safe to do so. For instance, you might consider taking photos or videos of your injuries, the accident location, and any contributing factors like a wet floor or broken equipment. Moreover, if there were witnesses at the scene of the accident, you can politely request their contact information.
Let Schwartzapfel Lawyers Fight For You!
Our seasoned attorneys are committed to getting you all the money and benefits you’re entitled to. Bear in mind, however, that time is of the essence following a NYC subway accident.
As such, the sooner you act, the better your chances will be of protecting your rights and securing the financial award you deserve.
So, please, don’t delay. Your financial future is too important to leave to chance. Instead, contact Schwartzapfel Lawyers today by dialing 516-342-2200 or scheduling with us online now.
And remember, both in and out of court, we are always fighting for you!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
How to ride the NYC subway | MTA
Subway and bus ridership for 2022 | New York City Transit
Attacks in NYC transit jump a massive 50% as subway murders surge: stats | New York Post
