Long Island Subway Accident

New York's subway system is one of the largest and busiest in the world, carrying millions of passengers each way. Furthermore, New York has an extensive train system, including the Long Island Railroad. While New York's rail systems are extremely safe and efficient, no form of transportation is 100% safe. Subway and train accidents do occur. In some cases the accidents involve derailments or collisions. In other instances, accidents happen on the platforms, stairs, or escalators. For example, in the case of 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 at the 14th Street-Union Square subway station. Blechman fractured her ankle and had to undergo 2 surgeries. Whether a subway or train accident occur on the train or on a platform, the injuries can be serious. For example, if a passenger is in a slip and fall accident on a subway platform, he or she may suffer a severe head injury, while a passenger involved in a derailment may suffer a broken bone. If or a loved one was seriously injured in a subway accident, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Long Island subway accident lawyer to learn more about how you can obtain just compensation for your injuries.

Common causes of subway accidents

Each day New Yorkers rely on New York's massive subway system to go to work, go to school, shop, and for a variety of other tasks. In fact each day millions of people ride New York subway trains each day. As with any other mode of transportation, accidents do occur on subway trains and in subway stations. There are a variety of reasons that such accidents occur:

• Conductor error
• Equipment malfunction
• Debris on platforms
• Wet areas on platforms
• Other maintenance problems on platforms and in stations

Pursuing a personal injury claim

As an experienced subway accident attorney in Long Island will explain, depending on the specifics of your case, if you are seriously injured in a subway accident you have the right to file a claim and demand compensation based on your losses.

• Medical bills: A subway accident can lead to serious injuries such as injuries to the neck, spinal cord, head or brain. Doctor bills, hospital bills, and other medical expenses will be substantial.
• Loss of income: If your injury is serious you may not be able to return to work for an extended period of time. You will be entitled to recover compensation for the wages, benefits and other compensation you lost while recovering from your injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Injuries from subway accidents can be so severe that victims experience a significant amount of physical pain, have lasting physical reminders such as scars or limps, and have emotional trauma. You can demand payment for the pain and you suffering your experience as such trauma can lead to depression, inability to sleep, irritability, anger and a host of other unsettling feeling.
• Wrongful death: Sadly, there are some subway accidents in New York that have fatalities. Under New York law, specific loved ones have the right to file wrongful death claims to pursue compensation for the loss.

In the case of Blechman v. N.Y.C. Transit Auth., Blechman filed a claim against the New York City Transit Authority arguing that its negligence resulted in the serious injury to her ankle. The jury agreed. The jury awarded Bleckman $350,000 for pain and suffering.

Suing a government entity such as the New York City Transit Authority is quite different from suing an individual or private business. When you file a claim against the Transit Authority you are such a government entity. There are special rules, including shorter time frames. It is critical that you work with an experienced subway accident attorney serving Long Island.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Subway accident cases are extremely complicated and may involve governmental entities as well as private companies and private citizens. Furthermore there may be complex procedural rules and timelines that must be followed. 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.

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