The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is formally known as the Long Island Rail Road Company, and is one of the subsidiaries of New York’s MTA. This commuter train is the busiest in the US and connects Manhattan to Long Island, transporting over 337,800 passengers daily. If you or a loved one is injured by one of these trains, talk to an attorney today. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for injuries or death caused by an MTA train or any of their subsidiary companies.
The Queens train accident attorneys at Sullivan and Galleshaw, LLP represent injured New Yorkers in personal injury lawsuits. Since so many train injuries are fatal, we also represent those who have lost a loved one to negligent train operations. For a free consultation on your case and to see what your injuries may be worth, call our lawyers today at (718) 843-0300.
MTA Long Island Rail Road Injuries
New York City’s public transportation systems consist of trains, busses, and other rail vehicles. Their large trains, like those used on the LIRR are some of the most dangerous for bystanders. Many of these trains run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which can mean dozens of injuries on platforms and walkways. Even worse, riders can be seriously injured if trains derail and others can be easily killed if they are hit by a train.
The MTA and the LIRR are responsible for ensuring that their train platforms and stations are safe for passengers. Many of the outdoor platforms are used year-round and even at night. This gives them little time for construction or upkeep if they are constantly in use. However, ensuring that stairways and handrails are stable, paths are well lit, and any snow or ice is cleared from walkways is one of the vital requirements for a safe transportation system.
Ensuring that trains are running smoothly, kept in working order, and safely stay on the tracks is an important part of running the Long Island Rail Road. If trains malfunction, riders can be seriously injured. Even worse, if trains derail or collide with other trains, riders can be thrown around the inside of the car and suffer traumatic injuries.
Lastly, the MTA and LIRR need to do their best to ensure that pedestrians and bystanders are not injured by trains. Keeping areas fenced-off for our protection is important. Proper guardrails and warning signs help keep people safe near train tracks. Additionally, ensuring that elderly and handicapped riders are able to safely board and leave the train without problem is vital to the system’s safe operation.
Suing the Long Island Rail Road and MTA
If the MTA or LIRR workers did something that lead to your injuries, you may be entitled to sue the Rail Road for your injuries. The MTA workers that drive trains, upkeep platforms, clear snow, and ensure bystander safety are required to take their job seriously. If any of them fail to use the proper caution their job requires, they may cause serious injuries. You can generally hold the MTA and the LIRR responsible for its employees’ errors, and may be able to seek high compensation for your injuries.
In order to prove to a court that you are entitled to compensation from the LIRR, you must prove four elements:
- The Long Island Rail Road owed you a duty to keep you safe;
- They breached that duty by failing to use the proper care or skill;
- Their breach caused your injuries; and
- You suffered injuries and other negatives that a court can compensate you for.
This kind of case is called a “negligence” suit, and revolves around how the LIRR’s actions or inaction caused your injuries.
If you can prove these elements, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for serious injuries. First, you may be able to recover any medical bills. This includes ambulance rides, emergency treatment, surgery, and even rehab and physical therapy. If you missed work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, including future wages you will miss. Lastly, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering on top of these other damages.
If you lost a loved one to a train accident, you may be entitled to sue on their behalf. New York has complicated rules to sue for the death of a loved one, and hiring an attorney is the best way to navigate these rules. However, you may ultimately be entitled to compensation for their death, any medical expenses leading up to their death, and lost financial benefits (such as the deceased’s income, health insurance, and other items).
Queens Train Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured by an MTA or Long Island Rail Road train, talk to an attorney today. The Queens personal injury lawyers at Sullivan and Galleshaw, LLP fight for compensation for injured train accident victims. If you lost a loved one to a train accident, our attorneys may be able to fight for you. For a free consultation on your case, call our attorneys today at (718) 843-0300.