Subway Construction Can Lead to Slips and Falls

April 2, 2019 |

Personal Injury

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates the most used subway system in North America. With an estimated 8 million daily trips, construction and repairs are usually underway on some portion of the system at any given time.

Unfortunately, construction zones can be hazardous for commuters. If you slipped and fell at a subway station or on a subway platform due to ongoing construction, you may be eligible for financial compensation. Belluck & Fox has been representing New Yorkers in accidents for over 25 years. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today for free consultation.

Common Causes of Subway Construction Falls

Table of Contents

1 Common Causes of Subway Construction Falls
2 Types of Injuries Caused by Subway Construction Falls
3 Who Is Liable for Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Subway Construction?
4 What to Do If Injured by Subway Construction
5 How Can Belluck & Fox Help Me?

When construction is being done in or near the station, on the platform, or anywhere else, there are a wide range of potential hazards you may encounter. In addition to whatever original problem is being fixed, the presence of construction equipment and materials can put commuters in further danger.

Some of the common causes of slips and falls on subways include:

Platform hazards
Malfunctioning subway doors
Turnstile issues
Equipment left in walkways
Leaking liquids
Inadequate lighting
Failure to post warning signs
Broken equipment

If you slipped and fell as a result of these or other hazards, you may be eligible for compensation.

Types of Injuries Caused by Subway Construction Falls

Slips and falls can cause severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries victims of slips and falls in subways experience include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Neck and back injuries
Internal injuries
Scrapes, cuts, and bruises

Tragically, some slip and fall accidents can cause fatal injuries. If your loved one died due to a subway slip and fall, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and more.

Who Is Liable for Slip-and-Fall Accidents in Subway Construction?

The subway is run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit, which is a government entity. Usually, if you slip and fall due to an unreasonably dangerous condition in a subway facility in New York, the MTA will be considered liable for your injuries. This is because the MTA has a duty to care for the safety of all visitors and workers who enter its premises.

The agency is responsible for promptly fixing any hazards on the premises. If any hazards cannot be immediately fixed, the MTA must warn guests about the hazards. When they fail in this duty, they can be held financially responsible for any injuries that occur.

What to Do If Injured by Subway Construction

Because the MTA is a government entity, the deadline for claims filed against them is shorter than other claims. If you want to file a claim for compensation, you must provide notice within 90 days of the incident.

Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after a subway slip-and-fall accident. They can launch an immediate investigation into your accident and ensure that your claim is filed before the statute of limitations is up.

How Can Belluck & Fox Help Me?

If you’ve been injured in a slip-and-fall accident caused by negligent subway construction in New York, Belluck & Fox can help you pursue a claim against the MTA. You could be eligible for financial compensation to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.