Pedestrian Loses Arm, Leg In Harlem Subway Accident

Woman Critically Injured In Harlem Subway Train Accident Near Manhattan Subway Station

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (December 20, 2024) – A woman was critically injured in a Harlem subway train accident not far from the Manhattan subway station.

New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday night. A victim was hit by a train after falling onto a set of tracks.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. They were taken to the hospital with critical injuries.

The woman ended up losing an arm and leg. A full investigation into the cause of the accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Manhattan Subway Accidents

There has been a sharp rise in subway deaths, partly due to dares on social media. According to the New York Post, “in nearly half of total trespassing cases, the MTA or NYPD found people just walking the tracks — walking to homeless encampments on MTA property, writing graffiti, just . . . wandering about. Two such trespassers were graffiti writers from France; they died under a Brooklyn train last April. And some “accidents” — more and more — are subway surfers.” There are a number of steps that the MTA could take to help prevent accidents.

• The MTA can install barriers with automatic doors to help prevent falls onto the tracks.
• The MTA should ensure that platforms and tracks are well lit.
• The MTA can equip subways with automatic braking systems.

The MTA has a legal obligation to prevent accidents that are reasonably foreseeable. To that end, subway drivers must take steps to avoid hitting pedestrians. This is true even if a pedestrian is staying idle in the middle of a set of train tracks. If a subway train operator fails to slow down to avoid a collision, this could form the basis of a civil claim. Victims of subway accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.

• Broken bones
• Head injuries
• Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations

Many people assume that any person hit by a train will always be held at fault in the event of a collision, but this is simply wrong. Many subway train accidents involve some amount of negligence on the part of subway operators. Sadly, though, the MTA will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. This is why it is so important that accident victims seek legal support as early as possible.

Investigating Manhattan Subway Accidents

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the victim of this Harlem subway train accident. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Harlem subway train accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.