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MTA Managers Accused Of Ignoring Safety Concerns on Brooklyn, Queens Tracks

MTA Managers Ignored Broken Metal Racks On Brooklyn, Queens Elevated Tracks Despite Risk of Falling Debris

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (September 15, 2022) – MTA managers are accused of letting miles of metal racks corrode that were used to hold equipment on elevated subway tracks, according to a report in the NY Daily News.

The corrosion could have allowed debris to fall into the street below. MTA managers are also accused of attempting to cover up the problem.

Investigators said that the equipment was in such bad shape that crews feared it would break off from the overhead structure. An image of the cable tracks showed them with significant rust and in disrepair.

According to the report, “It was well-known to many agency personnel that the cable trays were in very poor condition and could not support the new cables.” The report comes out after damaged cables sparked a fire in June.

Liability For Accidents Involving Falling Debris

Accidents involving falling debris may seem like freak occurrences, but they are actually quite common.  According  to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 42,000 people were struck by a falling object in the workplace every year in the United States. Construction sites, building facades and elevated tracks all pose a potential hazard for pedestrians. When they are not properly maintained, anyone that walks underneath them could potentially be struck by falling debris. There are a number of steps that should be taken to protect the public from falling debris.

  • Buildings and elevated train tracks should be periodically inspected and properly maintained.
  • Areas where debris is likely to fall should have warning signs and be sectioned off from the public.
  •  A canopy may need to be constructed to prevent falling debris from reaching the ground.

The owner of a building or set of rail tracks could potentially be liable for any accident involving falling debris. Property owners in New York have a legal responsibility to maintain their properties in a reasonably safe condition. This must be done for the protection of everyone on a property whose presence is reasonably foreseeable. When a property owner has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition on their property, they must take steps to correct the dangerous condition. Failure to correct a dangerous condition in a timely manner could form the basis of a negligence claim. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any accident involving falling debris.

  • Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
  • Medical records should be preserve.
  • Maintenance records should be preserved.
  • A thorough investigation should be conducted.

Any person that is injured in an accident with falling debris may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. Sadly, though, property owners will often fight extremely hard to deny liability for any accident. A personal injury attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.

Liability For Accidents Involving Falling Debris

Do you need help after any accident involving falling debris. Our team of personal injury attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of help after an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.

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Jeff Korek

Jeff S. Korek

Senior Trial Partner​

Jeff S. Korek joined Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. in 1992 as the Senior Trial partner. Known for his meticulous preparation and dedication to his clients, Jeff has obtained some of the state’s highest verdicts and settlements.