Staten Island Subway Accident

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 instances 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 Staten Island Subway Accident Lawyer to learn more about how you can obtain just compensation for your injuries.

New York is a huge city and commuters rely on its subway system every day to move around. While most people feel that subway travel is safe, no form of transportation can boast a perfect safety record. Conductor error, equipment malfunction, and negligence can all lead to serious accidents that injure both passengers and workers. In addition, accidents that take place on the subway platform or elsewhere in the subway station make up for a significant number of serious injuries. Trip and fall accident cases account for a high percentage of all subway accident cases. It is not uncommon for someone to slip on a stairway or trip on crack in a platform. Even debris caused by routine maintenance can cause someone to slip and fall.

Depending on the facts of your case, if you are hurt in a subway accident due to another person's negligence you may be entitled a number of types of compensation.

• Medical Bills: A subway accident can lead to serious injuries such as head, back, or neck injury. The medical bills associated with such an accident can be substantial.
• Loss of Income: If your injury is serious you may not be able to return to work for days, weeks, or even months. You will be entitled to recover compensation for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: You may also be able to recover compensation for the pain and suffering that you suffered as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering refers to not only physical pain, but also for emotional pain and loss of enjoyment of life. Whether you will be entitled to receive pain and suffering damages and the amount of such damages depends on the severity of your injuries.
• Wrongful Death: If the accident was fatal, the family of the victim may pursue damages through a wrongful death claim.

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.

It is important to note that when suing a government entity such as the New York City Transit Authority there are special rules that you must follow, and the time frame for filing a claim is limited.

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. To make sure that your case is properly handled it is critical that you are represented by attorneys with experience handling personal injury cases where the government is involved. Contact Stephen Bilkis and 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 serve those injured in accidents in the following locations: