It was just another day for a New York City commuter who relied on the subway system to get to and from work. Unfortunately, on this particular day, their routine was disrupted when they slipped on a wet patch of floor and fell hard onto the subway platform. As they struggled to regain her composure and assess their injuries, they wondered who was responsible for her accident. Was it the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the city of New York, or someone else entirely? Determining liability is a complex issue in New York subway injury cases.
The trusted lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP understand how complicated it can seem to file a claim for a New York subway injury, especially because multiple parties may be liable for your injuries. Our attorneys can thoroughly investigate the circumstance that led to and caused your accident ensuring that you are pursuing fair compensation from the person or entity responsible for your injuries. Contact our firm today to start your path toward obtaining fair and full compensation.
Is the MTA Always Liable for a New York Subway Injury?
The New York City subway system is one of the busiest in the world, with millions of people using it daily. Unfortunately, accidents occur on the subway, and when they do, determining liability can be a complex issue. Subway injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Train derailments
- Collisions with other trains or objects
- Assaults
In many cases, these accidents are preventable, and the responsibility for them can be attributed to one or more parties. The first question that must be answered in any subway injury case is who is liable for the accident. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the city of New York, private contractors, or even other passengers.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
If the accident was caused by a subway employee, such as a train operator or maintenance worker, the MTA may be held responsible. Under the legal concept of respondeat superior, employers are generally held liable for the actions of their employees that occur within the scope of their employment. This means that if an MTA employee causes an accident while on the job, the MTA can be sued for damages.
If the accident was caused by a defect in the subway system, such as a broken rail or faulty signal, the MTA may again be held responsible. The MTA has a legal duty to maintain the subway system in a safe condition, and if they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any injuries that result.
Private Contractors
Private contractors working on the subway system can also be held liable for accidents. For example, if a construction company fails to properly barricade a work area and a passenger falls and is injured, the contractor may be held responsible.
Other Subway Passengers
Passengers can also be held liable for subway accidents if their actions contributed to the injury. For example, if a passenger intentionally pushes someone onto the tracks, they can be sued for damages.
Proving liability in a subway injury case can be a complicated process. It may involve collecting witness statements, reviewing surveillance footage, and conducting forensic analysis. It is important to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the intricacies of these types of cases and can help you navigate the legal system.
Contact an Experienced New York Subway Injury Attorney Today
Determining liability in a New York subway injury case can be a complex issue. Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on various parties, and sometimes there may be more than one party that is liable. If you are injured in a subway accident, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your rights and consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and obtain the compensation you deserve.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have extensive experience in handling subway injury cases and can help you navigate the legal system to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help. Let us fight for your rights and hold those responsible for your injuries accountable. Reach us by completing our contact form or calling 516-358-6900. Additionally, subscribe to our YouTube channel for more information on related New York laws.
