Had a Train Accident, or Injured In a Train Station? We Can Help
Railroads and trains are essential to any New Yorker’s life. Whether it be the subway or a regional train like Metro North or Long Island Railroad, trains provide quick and easy access to neighborhoods all around the city and suburbs. There are many different circumstances that can result in personal injury, including injuries to train passengers; injuries to those using a train station or injuries to those who work on the railroad. Let us explain some important things to know if any of these things have happened to you.
Were You Injured as a Passenger on a Train in the Bronx?
Trains move millions of people every day, literally. As a train passenger you have absolutely no control over the regular movements of a train. Instead, every passenger relies on the experience and training of those individuals operating the train to get them safely to their destination. When train operators fail in this important obligation, there may be a basis to file a claim.
There are some common accidents involving train passengers, including:
- Train collisions;
- Smoke conditions;
- Door entrapment;
- Train derailment;
- Sudden stopping.
Train accident claims in New York City require the filing of a Notice of Claim, an important legal document that must be filed within 90 days of an accident. In addition, claims against the Transit Authority, Metro North and Amtrak also have shorter statutes of limitation, the time within which a lawsuit must be filed.
Were You Hurt In a Train Station?
Train stations are bustling hubs of activity, but they can quickly become scenes of chaos when transit authorities fail to maintain their premises. Whether you experienced a slip and fall on a slick platform or a trip over uneven flooring, the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. These environments require a high standard of care to ensure commuter safety at every hour of the day.
When that standard is ignored, the resulting broken bones, spinal injuries, or head trauma can change your life in an instant. Property owners and transit agencies have a legal obligation to address hazards like icy walkways, poor lighting, or malfunctioning escalators. We believe that when their negligence causes you harm, you shouldn’t have to carry the financial burden of their mistakes alone.
Were You Hurt Working For a Railroad in the Bronx?
Working for railroad operators like Metro North Commuter Railroad or Amtrak, can be very dangerous. This type of work places employees in close proximity to the danger of electrocution, being struck by heavy machinery, or even being hit by a moving train. As a result, the law imposes important safety standards and requirements designed to protect railroad employees.
Typically, claims made by employees are limited to workers compensation claims. However, under important and powerful Federal legislation, railroad workers do have the right to file a claim directly against their employers for the negligent failure to provide a safe place to work.
The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) holds train companies responsible for their workers’ safety and any unnecessary work hazards. The Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA) protects those employees who “whistleblow,” or notify the railroad company of potentially dangerous or negligent situations. The FRSA protects those employees against potential retaliation or punishment by employers for bringing the negligence to their attention.
Bronx Train Accident Lawyer | Lawyers24-7.com
If you or a family member was a victim of a train accident or railroad negligence, contact our experienced Bronx personal injury attorneys for more information by calling (718) 364-4000 email or live chat. You can also fill out a case intake form, and we will have one of our attorneys get right back to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bronx Train and Train Station Accidents
In high-traffic Bronx stations like Fordham Plaza or 161st St-Yankee Stadium, your first priority is to report the incident to an MTA agent or a NYPD Transit Bureau officer. Take immediate photos of the hazard—whether it’s a slick platform, broken stairs, or a malfunctioning escalator—and gather contact info from fellow commuters who saw the fall. Because these stations are so busy, surveillance footage is often overwritten quickly; contacting a Bronx train accident lawyer immediately can help preserve that critical evidence.
For accidents occurring on major Bronx lines like the Jerome Avenue Line (4 train) or the White Plains Road Line (2, 5 trains), you typically have only 90 days to file a formal “Notice of Claim” against the MTA or New York City Transit. These specific lines are managed by public authorities, and missing this short legal window can permanently bar you from receiving compensation for your claim, including medical bills and lost wages.
While accidents can happen anywhere, certain “multi-modal” hubs like the 149th St-Grand Concourse complex or the Third Avenue-149th St station often see higher injury rates due to heavy pedestrian volume and complex transfers. Common hazards in these older Bronx stations include inadequate lighting in stairwells, leaking ceilings that cause slippery floors, and significant “gaps” between the train and the platform.
Yes, injuries occurring at Bronx Metro-North stations—such as Riverdale, Fordham, or the upcoming East Bronx stations in Co-op City and Morris Park—are subject to specific liability rules. Whether your accident involved a trip on a platform or a malfunction on a regional train, these cases often involve complex jurisdictional issues between the MTA and private contractors. We specialize in identifying the negligent party responsible for station maintenance at these specific locations.
A Bronx-based firm understands the unique layout of our borough’s transit system, from the elevated tracks along Broadway to the deep underground tunnels of the Grand Concourse. We are familiar with the specific Bronx courts and the transit authorities that manage our local lines. This local “boots on the ground” experience allows us to build a stronger, more credible case for Bronx residents who have been let down by our public transportation system.