Subway Accident Lawyer
SUBWAY ACCIDENT LAWYER IN BROOKLN, NY
Your daily commute should never put you in the hospital. When the MTA fails to maintain safe conditions, train operators act negligently, or station hazards go unaddressed, riders pay the price with serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Filing a claim against a government agency like the MTA is far more complex than a standard personal injury case, and the deadlines are much shorter.
Our Brooklyn attorneys have been fighting for injured subway riders since 2008. We know the strict procedural rules that govern claims against the MTA, and we know how to build cases that hold them accountable. You pay nothing unless we win.
$45M+
RECOVERED FOR CLIENTS
2008
ESTABLISHED IN BROOKLYN
$0
FEE UNLESS WE WIN
After the Accident
What to Do After a Subway Accident in Brooklyn
Acting quickly after a subway accident is critical. Claims against the MTA carry strict deadlines that can permanently end your right to recover if missed.
Get Medical Attention Immediately
Seek emergency care right away even if your injuries seem manageable at the scene. Spinal injuries, internal bleeding, and concussions may not be immediately apparent. Same-day medical records are essential evidence in your case.
Report the Incident to MTA Staff
Notify the station agent or train operator before leaving the station if possible. Request that an official MTA incident report be filed. Make note of the employee’s name and badge number.
Document the Scene
Photograph the exact location where the accident occurred, including platform conditions, signage, lighting, gaps between train and platform, and any visible hazards. Take photos of your injuries before leaving.
Collect Witness Information
Fellow passengers and bystanders can provide critical testimony about what happened. Collect names and contact numbers from anyone who witnessed the incident before they leave.
Contact an Attorney Before the 90-Day Deadline
Claims against the MTA require a Notice of Claim to be filed within 90 days of the accident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your recovery. Contact our office as soon as possible.
Common Causes
Common Causes of Subway Accidents in New York
Dangerous Platform Conditions
Wet or slippery platforms, broken tiles, uneven surfaces, inadequate lighting, and debris left unaddressed create serious slip and Afall hazards for daily commuters.
Gaps Between Train and Platform
Excessive gaps between subway cars and the platform edge cause riders to trip, fall, or become trapped, resulting in severe leg, hip, and spinal injuries.
Train Doors Closing on Passengers
Malfunctioning or operator-controlled doors that close on passengers boarding or exiting trains cause crush injuries, fractures, and falls onto the tracks.
Sudden Train Stops and Jerks
Abrupt, unexpected stops caused by operator error or mechanical failure send standing passengers flying, resulting in head injuries, fractures, and soft tissue damage.
Escalator and Elevator Accidents
Defective, poorly maintained, or improperly operated escalators and elevators in subway stations cause falls and entrapment injuries throughout the system.
Assaults and Security Failures
When the MTA fails to provide adequate security inA stations and on trains, riders become victims of assault, robbery, and other violent crimes that may give rise to a negligence claim.
Track and Train Defects
Mechanical failures, signal malfunctions, and poorly maintained tracks can cause derailments and collisions that put entire trains of passengers at risk.
Injuries We Handle
Subway Accident Injuries We Represent
Subway accidents can produce a wide range of injuries, from falls on wet platforms to catastrophic train-related trauma. Our attorneys represent victims across the full spectrum.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
- Broken Bones & Fractures
- Slip and Fall Injuries
- Crush Injuries and Amputations
- Shoulder, Hip, and Knee Injuries
- Lacerations and Scarring
- Soft Tissue and Nerve Damage
- Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
- Burn Injuries from Electrical Contact
- Psychological Trauma and PTSD
- Wrongful Death of a Family Member
Your Recovery
What Compensation Can You Recover
Subway accident claims against the MTA fall under New York’s Public Authorities Law and General Municipal Law. These cases are subject to special procedural rules, including a 90-day Notice of Claim requirement and a one-year-and-90-day statute of limitations for filing suit. Successfully navigating these requirements is essential to recovering compensation.
- All past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and ongoing care costs
- Transportation and out-of-pocket expenses
- Future costs related to permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium for your family
Why Cherny & Podolsky
Brooklyn's Trusted Subway Accident Law Firm Since 2008
We Know How to Sue the MTA
Claims against the MTA involve strict filing deadlines, government immunity defenses, and complex procedural rules that most firms are not equipped to handle. Our attorneys have extensive experience navigating these requirements and holding the MTA accountable.
Over $45 Million Recovered
Our track record speaks for itself. We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients throughout Brooklyn and the greater New York area.
Locally Rooted in Brooklyn
We are a Brooklyn law firm at 2681 East 14th Street, not a national referral service. We know the subway lines, the stations, and the agencies responsible for keeping riders safe.
Multilingual Legal Team
Our staff serves clients in English, Russian, Spanish, and more. Every client deserves to fully understand their rights and their options, and we make sure they do.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all subway accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay absolutely nothing upfront. Our fee comes only from the compensation we recover for you.
Direct Attorney Access
You will work directly with your attorney from your first call to your final settlement. No paralegals, no case managers, no runaround.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a subway accident claim against the MTA?
You must file a Notice of Claim with the MTA within 90 days of the accident. This is a strict requirement and missing it can permanently bar you from recovery. After filing the Notice of Claim, you have one year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a formal lawsuit. Given these tight deadlines, contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a subway accident is critical.
Can I sue the MTA for a slip and fall in a subway station? Y
Yes. The MTA has a legal duty to maintain safe conditions throughout its stations and on its trains. If the MTA knew or should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to address it in a reasonable amount of time, you may have a valid negligence claim. Our attorneys will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
What if I was partially at fault for my subway accident?
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. Your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery. The MTA and its attorneys will look for any opportunity to shift blame onto injured riders. Our team will counter those efforts with a thorough and well-documented case.
Can I file a claim if I was assaulted on the subway?
Possibly. If the MTA failed to provide adequate security measures in a station or on a train where you were assaulted, you may have a negligence claim against the authority in addition to a criminal complaint against the individual responsible. These cases require demonstrating that the MTA knew or should have known that a security risk existed. Our attorneys have experience handling transit security failure cases.
What if a loved one was killed in a subway accident?
If a family member was killed as a result of MTA negligence, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Recoverable damages include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and the conscious pain and suffering experienced by your loved one before death. Our attorneys will guide your family through this process with care and determination.
How much is a subway accident case worth?
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, your lost income, the degree of permanent impact on your life, and the strength of the MTA’s liability. Subway accident cases involving serious injuries can result in significant recoveries. We offer free consultations to give you a thorough and honest evaluation of your specific situation.
Injured in a New York City Subway Accident?
Do not wait. The 90-day Notice of Claim deadline for MTA cases can permanently close the door on your recovery if missed. Evidence disappears, surveillance footage gets overwritten, and witnesses move on. The sooner our team gets involved, the stronger your case will be.
Call us today for a free consultation. We will review your accident, answer every question you have, and walk you through your options with no pressure and no upfront cost.
