Can I File a Lawsuit against the MTA for Subway-Related Injuries?
When you consider how large America’s subway systems have become, you will realize the high potential for risks while traveling. Although trains might be more efficient and faster than buses, cars, and ideal alternatives to navigating the bustling above-world of New York City, subways should still be respected. In a heartbeat, these giant metal tubes on tracks can take a nosedive for the worst, resulting in severe injuries and damage.
However, in the event that you have suffered injuries on the subway, you may be asking whether or not you can sue the Metropolitan Transport Authority for your accident. Is this possible?
Let’s take a closer look and find out if you can file a lawsuit against this group.
Some Facts about the MTA
Serving as the largest transportation network in America, the Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) currently helps 15.3 million people over an area of 5,000 square miles from Long Island and southeastern New York State to Connecticut. Boasting the largest fleet of buses in the country, the MTA also operates a large number of subway trains and commercial rail cars than any other U.S. organization.
Needless to say, the company has a lot of ground to cover, meaning it has taken special security to ensure the safety of its passengers. For more information on MTA safety procedures, please visit the MTA: Riding Safely page.
Is My Injury the MTA’s Fault?
Remember: just because an accident took place on the premises of an MTA subway doesn’t mean the MTA is necessarily to blame. For example, many injuries, such as electrocution and burns, which a victim can suffer after tumbling onto the exposed track system, are freak accidents and cannot be predetermined by safety officials. Likewise, littering and negligence on part of careless passengers can also contribute to dangerously slippery or sticky walkways.
What You Need to Prove
Nevertheless, the MTA has a duty to maintain its subway systems and keep the area clear and safe for its passenger. In the event that you have been injured due to an unkempt or poorly-repaired area of the railway or walkway and you can prove the MTA is at fault, you can make a case. Here are four steps for you to consider:
- Prove the MTA had full control over the area where the accident took place.
- Determine that the area where your accident took place had a high potential for danger.
- Prove the MTA was fully knowledgeable that this area had a high potential for danger.
- Determine what damages are relevant to this incident and, therefore, your case.
For further details, please review steps to prove a slip-and-fall case offered on HG.org: Legal Resources.
Personal Injury Attorney in New York State
Subways might be a convenient method of traveling from one place to another across the jungle of New York City, but these underground tunnels can prove to be extremely hazardous at times, especially when people do not exercise caution. In the blink of an eye, your visit to the subway can turn into a chaotic, catastrophic accident that can inflict moderate to life-threatening injuries and cause tremendous emotional distress.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
We at Gattuso & Ciotoli have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver the some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of a wide variety of accidents in the vicinity of Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve. For more information on our four practice areas or your legal matter, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.