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Writer's pictureAdam Glassman

Who is Liable for Icy Subway Steps in New York?


Like millions of other New Yorkers, you may rely on public transport to get from point A to point B. The assumption is that you can rely on the government to provide you with a safe environment as you walk down steps and across subway walkways. But is this really true? If you have suffered an injury due to an icy or slippery subway station in New York, you may be starting to doubt whether the MTA and other organizations have your best interests at heart.


While pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against a government agency is often tricky, you are within your rights to sue the MTA if their negligence has caused you to experience damages. You may be suffering from fractured bones or serious head trauma due to a slip and fall in a New York subway station. These organizations have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the public, and they need to be held accountable if they fail in this regard.


If you have suffered injuries due to this type of negligence, it is important to enlist the help of a qualified attorney as soon as possible. A legal professional can use a range of different strategies and tactics to prove that the MTA was negligent. Hiring an expert can help you receive adequate compensation for your injuries.


When is the MTA Negligent?


The MTA is negligent whenever its actions or inactions contribute directly to your injuries. While they might not be responsible for crimes or acts of violence that occur on their properties, they are expected to provide an environment free of foreseeable hazards. The MTA will always argue that they were powerless to prevent criminals from assaulting you on the subway, but that argument does not hold up in the case of slippery, icy walkways.


Duty of Care


The MTA and other public transport organizations in New York have what is known as a “duty of care” to the public. This means that if they become aware of any potential hazards, they must deal with these issues as soon as possible. Icy or slippery surfaces are a clear example of this.


How to Win


Experienced personal injury attorneys can use a range of strategies to ensure a positive legal outcome when filing a personal injury claim against the MTA. Your attorney may find expert witnesses such as meteorologists to testify. The MTA often attempts to claim that they were not aware of the slippery stairs or walkways prior to the accident, but these claims can easily be refuted with evidence and witness testimony.


You Need to Act Quickly


In the state of New York, the statute of limitations for suing a government agency is much shorter compared to that of a normal personal injury lawsuit. From the moment you become aware of your injuries, you only have 90 days to file your claim. You need to act quickly, so reach out to the Glassman Law Group as soon as possible in order to get the compensation you deserve.


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