On Behalf of Cohen & Cohen Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. | Oct 4, 2018 | Injuries, Mass-Transit Accidents, Personal Injury, Stairway Accidents
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) employs around 65,000 people to maintain a total of 842 miles of subway track across New York City. Yet, MTA’s former president has publicly admitted that subway conditions are a disaster.
Subway stairwells throughout New York City, including Queens, can be hazardous if they are dirty, uneven, slippery, poorly lit, or visually distracting. A subway stairwell fall can result in serious injuries. If you’ve slipped and fallen down a subway stairwell in NYC, you are not alone.
Subway Stairwell Falls and Accident Risks in New York City
Subway stairway accidents are unfortunately common throughout NYC. Below are real-world examples that highlight how dangerous subway stairwell conditions can lead to serious injuries and subway stairway accident lawsuits.
Subway Stairwell Fall Caused by Poor Visibility
A tragic case involving a 69-year-old Bronx woman resulted in a $16 million payout after she fell down a New York City subway stairwell and suffered severe brain damage.
In that case, the injured woman could not see a dangerous defect in the subway steps due to inadequate lighting. Poor visibility is a common cause of subway stairwell falls across New York.
Uneven Subway Stairways and Height Defects
A widely shared video showed commuters repeatedly tripping over a single stair in a Brooklyn subway station. The footage, which went viral, demonstrated how inconsistent stair heights can create dangerous conditions.
Although no lawsuit was ultimately filed, the MTA closed the stairwell and made repairs, acknowledging the risk posed to subway riders.
Dangerous Subway Advertisements and Visual Distractions
In 2014, a New York City subway stairwell was covered with a graphic advertisement for the television show Dexter. The advertisement caused a pedestrian to fall, resulting in a broken ankle.
The injured commuter filed a subway stairway accident lawsuit against the MTA, the City of New York, and the advertiser, alleging that the visual distraction created an unsafe condition.
Subway Stairwell Falls After Snow and Ice in NYC
After winter storms, subway stairwells in New York can become icy and slippery. While lawsuits have been filed alleging negligence, these claims depend heavily on timing and notice.
Under New York law, the MTA is typically allowed a reasonable amount of time to address weather-related hazards before liability attaches.
When Can You File a Subway Stairway Accident Lawsuit in New York?
Filing a subway stairway accident lawsuit in New York is only possible under specific circumstances. Generally, the MTA must have received prior written notice of the hazardous condition at least 15 days before the accident.
However, exceptions may apply when the MTA itself creates a dangerous condition, such as through negligent construction, repairs, or maintenance activities.
Accident Subway NYC Claims and Legal Help Near You
Accident subway NYC claims are legally complex and subject to strict deadlines. If you were injured in a subway stairwell fall in Queens or elsewhere in New York City, it is important to act quickly.
If you need guidance after a subway stairwell fall, gather photographs, witness information, and incident details as soon as possible. Then, speak with a Queens slip and fall subway lawyer near you to understand your rights under New York law.
An experienced New York subway accident attorney can evaluate whether you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.