Queens Subway Accident

Very few people who live in New York or who visit New York do so without riding the subway. New York's subway system is one of the busiest in the world. In Queens alone there are 81 subway stops. Because of the size of the subway system, the number of cars traveling through it, the number of subway stops and the number of people who ride it each day, it is not surprising that accident happen on a fairly regular basis. Major accidents such as collisions and derailments are relatively rare. Other accidents such as falls are common. For example, in Blechman v. N.Y.C. Transit Auth., 2014 NY Slip Op 30716 (N.Y. Sup. Ct., 2014), Pamela Blechman was injured when she fell into the gap between a subway train and the platform. Blechman fractured her ankle and had to undergo 2 surgeries. When a subway accident occurs, the injuries can be serious. As in the case of Pamela Blechman broken bones are a common injury. With falls injuries such as back injuries and trauma to the head are also common. Serious injuries to the head and back, and broken bones require immediate medical treatment and will result in substantial medical bills. If you were injured in a subway accident that was caused by another person, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. It is critical that you contact an experienced Queens subway accident lawyer immediately as there are strict time deadlines for filing personal injury claims based on a subway accident.

There are many factors that can contribute to a subway-related accident. Also, subway-related accidents can occur on a train, on a platform, in the station and on the stairways or escalators leading to the substation. Some of the possible reasons for subway accidents include:

• Conductor error- driving too fast
• Faulty equipment- defective doors
• Poor lighting- in stairwell, leading to a fall
• Stairs in disrepair- leading to a fall
• Broken subway car doors- causing a victim's arm or leg getting caught
• Poor track maintenance- causing derailment
• Slippery train or platform floors- leading to a fall
• Train stopping abruptly- leading to a fall

In addition negligence can lead to people being the victims of criminal acts. For example, poor lighting and negligent security on a subway platform may make it easy for a victim to be mugged or sexually assaulted.

A subway accident can mean serious injuries, missed work, and considerable medical bills. Through a personal injury claim you can demand that the negligent party compensate you for the losses you suffered.

• Medical expenses. Ambulance, emergency room, hospital, surgeon, doctor, chiropractor, lab tests, MRs, crutches, wheelchair, home care, long-term care services, prescriptions, non-prescription medication, and therapy. Evidence of medical expenses include your medical records, bills, and receipts.
• Lost wages. Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly pay, vacation pay, sick pay, bonuses, and lost opportunities. An example of a lost opportunity would be a promotion that you did not receive because you ended up missing work because you were recovering from the accident.
• Pain and suffering. Physical pain as well as emotional suffering. Emotional suffering is often accompanies serious injuries. Evidence of emotional suffering includes anxiety, inability to sleep, persistent feelings of anger and frustration, and loss of consortium. Evidence of pain and suffering may include your medical records showing the pain medical you required as well as visits to therapists. Evidence from family members and friends may show how your disposition has changed.

If you were injured in a subway accident, the responsible party may be a government entity such as the New York City Transit Authority. Filing a claim against a government entity is quite different from filing a claim against an individual or a business. There are special rules and different deadlines.

Pursuing compensation based on injuries suffered in a subway accident will likely involve filing a claim against a government agency. This means that you must follow special rules that apply to suing the government that are somewhat different from the rules for suing an individual or a business. To ensure that your legal rights are protected, it is critical that you are represented by attorney who understands the nuances involved in filing claims against the government. Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.