New York City has one of the largest mass transit systems in the world. In fact, New York subway ridership is very high. (1)
Yet, subway systems can and do experience accidents resulting in injuries and deaths. New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) says, “Most subway accidents result from slips, trips, and falls on stairways when someone is in a rush.” (2)
The Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH) serves as another transit link between Manhattan and parts of New Jersey. Sections of the system function like a subway and are subject to having accidents similar to those of the MTA.
Victims of serious subway accidents often face the pain and suffering of their injuries, along with mounting medical bills, lost wages, time off of work, and other financial hardships. This complicates recovery with increased stress and anxiety.
You deserve to be compensated by the subway system for all this physical and mental injury caused by its negligence. If you, or a loved one was hurt, consider suing to get justice.
Are you facing expensive medical care costs after a subway-related accident? Call us now for a free consultation.
(917) LAWYERSSubway accidents occur regularly. In 2018, there was a 2.97 per million customer injury rate on the MTA subways. That translates to almost 5,000 people injured. (3)
The MTA also reported, “In 2017, there were 181 incidents involving customers who came in contact with trains: 44 people died.” (4)
These subway accidents often lead to personal injury claims. In 2018, there were 9,215 on-going personal injury cases against the New York City Transit system. (5)
Various types of subway accidents can result in injuries to passengers, bystanders, and railroad workers. These injuries range from mild up to severe or even lethal.
Passenger injuries may include fractures or loss of limbs, traumatic head and neck injuries, spinal injuries, and internal injuries. Even electrocution is possible.
Passengers are at risk of injury when subway trains crash or derail — come off the tracks. As with crash injuries, derailment injuries may be from impact, broken glass, or other debris. In some cases, injuries can come from contact with exposed electrical wires or the electrical rails powering the trains.
Onboard passenger injuries are often related to sudden stops or from leaning on subway doors. The MTA recommends passengers always hold on when riding while standing in a subway car to minimize injury. (6)
Boarding injuries can result from mechanical malfunctions of the subway doors. Injuries also happen when items get caught in closing doors, such as purses, bags, clothing, or umbrellas. Subway doors, MTA warns, “…are not like elevator doors and will not reopen automatically.” (7)
The MTA cautions riding on top of subway cars (surfing) is illegal, as is riding while holding onto the outside doors (skylarking). Additionally, MTA cautions against boarding between cars. (8) These risky actions can result in serious accidents that you may be held responsible for causing.
Platform bystanders may be at risk of injury when subway trains crash or derail, or if standing too close to the edges of platforms. Platform bystanders risk falling onto the tracks if they get too close to platform edges. These should be clearly marked in most stations. Instead, MTA advises passengers to wait at the center of the platform near signs indicating where the train stops. (9)
Or you could be mugged while standing on a subway platform without proper security systems, such as a working emergency call box.
Mechanical failures can lead to injuries, as well. Mechanical failures can include problems with everything from lighting to tracks, elevators and turnstiles — even the tunnels subway trains travel through. For instance, an escalator taking you to your platform could malfunction and hurt or kill you.
Mechanical failures also include equipment on the subway car itself. This might be problems with doors, lighting, brakes, or even communication systems.
Railroad workers may also be injured. Railroad workers who must work on the tracks risk being struck by subway trains or electrocuted. Some injuries may not be covered by worker compensation payments.
A significant number of subway accidents are caused by train operator errors and can lead to injuries for passengers and railroad workers alike. These may be errors in operating the train itself, errors due to negligence, or errors because of inadequate training.
Were you or a loved one injured in a subway-related accident? You may be eligible for compensation.
Get a Free Case ReviewSubway accidents have many causes. Some specific examples include:
Common subway accident injuries include:(10) (11) (12)
Settlements are often possible when negligence on the part of the subway system is involved. However, you first have to file a lawsuit.
An important consideration in a subway accident lawsuit is who owns the subway system the accident occurred on, or the station where it occurred. While most are publicly owned, some are private.
Some states put limits or caps on compensatory damage awards — the amount of money you can get — in personal injury cases. The state of New York does not. (13)
The amount of damages you may receive in a settlement depends upon the severity of your injuries. Issues to consider are if you were permanently disabled due to your injuries, any related medical expenses, loss of earnings, and whether or not you can return to work.
There may also be damages awarded based upon your pain and suffering. In the cases of death, your family may recover damages for loss of a loved one.
The first thing you should do after being involved in a subway accident is to seek medical treatment. Medical treatment documents your injuries and medical expenses. This is important when you decide to take legal action.
If you are able to, you should document the scene of the accident. Take pictures with your cell phone. Get the names and contact information of witnesses, the train operator, other crew members, police officers and rescue workers who are on the scene. Your attorney needs this information to help support your legal claim.
It is a good idea to make certain a police or accident report has been filed. This further documents the accident and can strengthen your claim.
As soon as you can, get an attorney. You need an attorney with experience in accidents involving personal injury, such as the team at Weitz & Luxenberg. Your attorney protects your rights and helps ensure you get any compensation you deserve.
Swimming pool accidents range from slips and falls to diving mishaps. They include drownings, electrocutions and drain entrapments, and even chemical exposure.
“Not including boating incidents, on average about 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States,” warns the National Safety Council (NSC). (1)
NSC also notes, “Statistics point to drowning as a leading cause of death for young children – mostly due to children falling into a pool or being left alone in the bathtub.” (2)
Data from 2018-2021 indicates New York had an age adjusted drowning rate of 0.74 deaths per 100,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (3)
The New York State Department of Health says “more than 150 people drown” each year in the state. “Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death among children ages 1-4 and the seventh leading cause for children ages 5-14 in New York State.” (4)
In Suffolk County, Long Island, there were 10 pool drowning as of early August 2024, with another 12 from 2022-2023. During the pandemic, there were many new swimming pools and hot tubs. Water safety education declined. This is where 87% of the drownings happen to kids under the age of 5. (7)
Suffolk County had the highest number of drownings on Long Island, but not the only ones. In Nassau County, there were five drownings between 2022 and toward the end of July 2024. According to Governor Kathy Hochul, “Drownings in New York State have reached record levels in the last few years, and our kids are particularly vulnerable.” (8)
There are a number of common swimming accidents which result in injuries. These include:
Slips and falls can result in cuts, bruises, broken bones, dislocations, or even deaths. These types of accidents often occur when someone is running in a pool area. Wet surfaces increase the chances of this happening. (9)
Diving or jumping into shallow pools — or without knowing the depth of the water — can cause serious head and spinal injuries, especially if jumping in headfirst. Even if jumping in feet first, the resulting muscle and joint sprains injuries can be painful. (10)
Drownings are the leading cause of death among very young children, says the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “We lose 11 school buses worth of children to fatal unintentional drowning per year, with the average school bus seating 80 students.” (11)
The Alliance also says, “Nearly 40% of drownings treated in emergency departments require hospitalization, transfer, or further care. … Outcomes of morbidity include brain damage, other serious outcomes, and long-term disability.” (12)
Drownings
We lose 11 school buses worth of children to fatal unintentional drowning per year, with the average school bus seating 80 students.” (11)
Drowning are often fatal, but nonfatal drownings occur and can lead to organ damage. Victims of nonfatal drownings may suffer brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain (hypoxic brain injury). The damage can be severe and have long-term consequences, like memory problems, learning disabilities, executive dysfunction, or permanent loss of function (vegetative state). (13)
Electric shock drowning (ESD) can lead to death. ESD is the term used for “all in-water shock casualties,” says the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). ESD occurs when low level electrical current passes through the body. This causes paralysis, leaving victims unable to help themselves while immersed. In the water, higher levels of current may also cause electrocution. (14)
Pool drain entrapment occurs when strong suction is created by water rapidly flowing through pool drains, says the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. When this happens, young children can be trapped, which can lead to serious injuries or death. Also, drain covers that are loose or missing can lead to injuries. (15)
Chemical injuries occur when chemicals are mishandled. This includes being mixed with incompatible chemicals, added to water improperly, or stored incorrectly. (17)
Pool chemical injuries lead to approximately “4,500 emergency department visits each year. At least one third of the patients are under 18 years old,” according to the CDC. (18)
Chemicals normally added to swimming pools include chlorine and disinfectants. These must be added in the right amounts. When the balance of these chemicals is off, swimmers may experience irritations of the eyes, ears, airways, and skin. Creating a caustic pool can end up requiring a call to Poison Control. The inhalation or ingestion of chemical fumes, vapors and gases can cause respiratory injuries. (19)
Were you or someone you know injured in a swimming pool accident? You may be eligible for compensation.
Get a Free Case ReviewPremises liability is a legal concept. It applies to property owners when people who are legally permitted to be on their property become injured while on that property.
The New York City Bar says the “owner is liable for your injuries if the owner’s negligence caused your injury.” (23)
It adds, “While premises liability includes slip/trip & fall situations, it is broader because it addresses any unsafe condition and resulting injury, whether caused by a fall or otherwise.” (24)
Where swimming pools are concerned, property owners have a legal duty — duty of care — to keep their pools safe. When they fail, they can be sued.
The person suing (you, the plaintiff), must show the court their injury was caused by the property owner’s negligence.
In general, trespassers are not owed a duty of care by a property owner and the owner cannot be held responsible for their injuries. But there are exceptions. (25)
A trespasser may be on a property and the owner knows this but allows the trespasser to remain. If so, then the owner is responsible for any injuries the trespasser sustains while on the property. (26)
If a trespasser is a child and some condition on the property is deemed “attractive” the owner is responsible for injuries while on the property. (27)
For example, the gate to a pool is unlocked. The pool has very little water in it and there is a blow-up seahorse floating at the bottom. A child climbs in to play with the float and trespasses, without understanding the danger.
W&L has an experienced team of attorneys who win trial verdicts and negotiate settlements for people who have suffered harm due to negligence.
Updated August 2025
There were 12 fatal bus crashes in New York in 2018 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of those fatal crashes, 3 involved school buses, 4 involved transit buses, 3 involved van-based buses, and 2 involved buses where the type was not indicated. (1)
When bus accidents occur, people are often injured or even killed. Unfortunately, buses of all types and sizes have accidents, even school buses.
In one 2020 incident in New York City, a 10-year-old girl was killed while in a crosswalk as a school bus in Brooklyn turned right. (2)
School buses are involved in 26,000 crashes annually. This leads to 9,500 occupant injuries and 10 fatalities per year, according to NHTSA School Bus Crashworthiness. (3)
“Of the people injured in school bus-related crashes from 2008 to 2018, about 36% were school bus passengers, 8% were school bus drivers, and 51% were occupants of other vehicles. The remainder were pedestrians, pedalcyclists, and other or unknown,” says The National Safety Council. (4)
Clearly, school buses are not the only buses involved in accidents.
A bus customer accident injury rate of 1.51 per million and a collision with injury rate of 6.66 per million vehicle miles is indicated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Report Narrative 2018. (5)
This data includes bus accidents for the Manhattan & the Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA). This authority is a subsidiary of the MTA responsible for most transportation on NYC public buses.
In one successful lawsuit against the MTA and MaBSTOA, it was determined a woman had been run over and killed by a bus driver near a bus stop. Her family was awarded nearly $1 million. (6)
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury in a bus accident, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewA serious bus accident can mean extensive medical bills, lost wages, and time off of work. If you or a loved one have been involved in a bus accident, a lawsuit may be your best option to gain compensation for your injuries.
Buses of all types clog New York City Streets. Some are operated by private bus companies. For example, buses only transporting passengers to and from casinos, or the Chinatown buses with cheap fares.
Some are charter buses. Others are tour buses or long-distance buses such as Greyhound. Yet, when they all converge on New York City streets, the chance of accidents increases.
The demands of traffic congestion on city streets also increases the risks of bus accidents. The streets may be narrow and not designed to accommodate larger vehicles.
In 2019, an increase in bus rider injuries was due to “jerky movements as operators try to navigate clogged streets,” says Robert Diehl, then MTA’s senior vice president of the Safety and Security Department. (7) N.Y. state law establishes rules to help prevent accidents and protect passengers from injury. For example, on trips of over 25 miles, it is unlawful for intercity or suburban bus carriers to allow passengers to stand in the aisle. (8)
Further complicating matters are unsafe bus companies. One report identified 10 of the worst bus companies for unsafe driving measures.
Investigators looked at such things as fleet size vehicles per driver, and total violations per unsafe driving violations. They also examined whether the company exceeded the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration intervention thresholds. (9)
The companies on the list were found to have 104 violations of unsafe driving in a 2-year period. Of those companies, 4 had violations of hours-of-service compliance, 2 had violations of driver fitness, and 1 had violations of vehicle maintenance. (10)
Some bus companies “have flouted the rules, skimping on maintenance and forcing drivers to maintain schedules that leave them exhausted. Those factors have contributed to several horrific crashes that have led to calls for greater scrutiny,” according to The New York Times. (11)
Overall, evidence suggests drivers are a primary cause of vehicle accidents. And drivers are most often distracted by cell phone use or texting while driving.
“While drivers texting behind the wheel tops what seems like an endless list of distractions, other risky actions include adjusting the radio, applying makeup, drinking coffee, and talking on your cell phone” says the NHTSA. (12) Nationwide, 2,841 people lost their lives to distracted driving in 2018. (13)
Driver inattentiveness causes accidents too. For instance, when a driver takes their eyes off the road for a moment, no matter what the reason.
Other driver-caused accidents are due to careless driving and reckless driving. The two are similar because they indicate that a motor vehicle is being operated irresponsibly, but reckless driving is a criminal offense and involves a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others.
Negligent driving means the driver could have reasonably done something to prevent the accident from happening. For example, negligent driving would be driving at excessive speed or changing directions without providing enough warning to other drivers.
Bus owners, private or public, carry high levels of insurance to provide more comprehensive coverage than standard motor vehicle insurance. Yet some bus company policies provide coverage to each individual passenger while others provide pool coverage to all passengers.
Pool coverage means a certain amount of money is available to cover all passengers who were hurt in a given accident. If some passengers had serious injuries, the amount of money you may be able to recover for your own injuries could be reduced.
Skilled personal injury attorneys may be able to work around these policy limitations if the insurance carrier made mistakes in the policy documents or acted in bad faith.
Strong legal representation such as our personal injury team at Weitz & Luxenberg can help. We understand the complexities of bus accidents and insurance policies, and we have years of experience representing clients left vulnerable by these unexpected events.
Were you or a loved one injured in a bus accident? You may be entitled to compensation.
(917) LAWYERSAn attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for any injury you suffered, or the death of a loved one.
Weitz & Luxenberg has a winning personal injury team of attorneys and continues to represent clients for nearly 40 years.
Most train accidents occur at grade crossings, “A highway-rail grade crossing is an intersection where a roadway crosses railroad tracks at the same level or grade,” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (1)
“Crossing incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths after trespassing, and the leading cause of all railroad accidents. Risk of incidents at grade crossings grows as highway and train traffic increase,” reports the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). (2)
“Railroad deaths totaled 954 in 2022, an 11% increase from the 2021 revised total of 859 and the highest since 2007. Nonfatal injuries totaled 6,252, a 6% increase from the 2021 revised total of 5,882. From 2021 to 2022, fatalities at highway-rail crossings increased 16%, while fatalities involving other types of incidents increased 9%,” according to the National Safety Council (NSC) (3)
FRA data sets for 2023 indicate a total of 10,529 train accidents/incidents. FRA also looked at train accidents which were not at grade-crossings. There were 1,944 such accidents/incidents: 91 collisions, 1,295 derailments, and 558 other accidents. (4)
The FRA tracks train accidents/incidents by state. In the first several months of 2024, there have been 17 deaths in New York and 174 injuries. (6)
All train accidents must be reported to the FRA. The FRA defines a train accident as a “safety-related event involving on-track rail equipment (both standing and moving), causing monetary damage to the rail equipment and track above a prescribed amount.” (7)
Highway-rail grade crossing incidents include “any impact between a rail and highway user (both motor vehicles and other users of the crossing as a designated crossing site, including walkways, sidewalks, etc., associated with the crossing.” (8)
Other incidents include “any death, injury, or occupational illness of a railroad employee that is not the result of a ‘train accident’ or ‘highway-rail incident’.” (9)
When train crashes occur, people can be injured or killed in large numbers. This can happen to passengers, bystanders, operators of other vehicles, and even train operators.
Were you or a loved one injured in a train accident? You may be eligible for compensation.
Get a Free Case ReviewMany different train types travel through New York City and the state. Some are nationwide or regional. Others operate solely in New York.
The FRA reports annual statistics for those killed or injured in train accidents by state. Statistics for the state of New York include: (10)
The number of train accidents reported in the media are startling.
News media reporting on the number of incidents, some spaced only days apart, can cause increased stress and anxiety for riders. And for transit authorities, like the MTA, these incidents demand closer scrutiny of the causes of train accidents.
The causes of train accidents, according to the FRA, “are frequently the culmination of a sequence of events, and a variety of conditions or circumstances that may have contributed to its occurrence.” (12)
Regardless of the cause of the accident, train operators have a professional obligation to ensure that passengers are transported safely to their destination. When an accident happens, the train company and the train operator may be held accountable for any harm and injury that result.
People involved in train accidents may suffer a variety of injuries ranging from soft tissue damage, to musculoskeletal damage, to traumatic brain injuries, and even death.
The first thing you should do if you have been involved in a train accident is to seek medical attention. Get help for yourself and, if possible, for other victims.
Next, document everything you can about the accident, including taking pictures with a cell phone.
As soon as you are able, contact an attorney. You need a professional with proven success in personal injury and negligence cases. Your attorney can evaluate your case and determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
Have you been injured in a train accident? Call us now for a free consultation.
(917) LAWYERSEven if you work for the railroad company involved in the accident, you may still have grounds for a lawsuit. This is especially possible if there is negligence by the company or one of your coworkers.
For instance, if the railroad company failed to take proper safety precautions. Or if the precautions they took were implemented incorrectly. Either circumstance may be grounds for a case of negligence.
Other grounds for a lawsuit might include gaps in maintenance of the tracks, roadbeds, or trains.
Failure to enforce protocols which contributed to the accident, such as failure to follow prescribed loading procedures for cargo or passengers, may establish a case of negligence.
There are many aspects of operations which your attorney can review to determine the merits of your case. It is imperative you contact an attorney quickly.
In personal injury cases, damages are monetary compensation awarded by the court and may include wrongful death, compensatory (actual), special, statutory, and punitive awards. (16) (17)
Wrongful death damages: money awarded to surviving family and loved ones. These damages can cover funeral and burial expenses, pre-death medical care, emotional distress of family members, loss of financial contribution, and loss of companionship. (18)
Compensatory (actual) damages: money awarded to cover pain and suffering, mental or emotional anguish, and loss of companionship. (19)
Special damages: money awarded for items like loss of earnings (present and future), medical bills (present and future), and household expenses. (20)
Statutory damages: money awarded because the law requires it. (21)
Punitive damages: awarded when a defendant’s wrongful actions or behavior were deliberate and done with malice. (22)
Monetary damage claims help compensate you and your family for the pain and suffering you have endured, as well as cover any financial hardship brought on by the accident.
Often, personal injury cases hinge upon the establishment of negligence by the person or company you are suing.
Lawyers familiar with the complexities of negligence cases can be crucial to your success.
Proof in a negligence case usually involves showing the court that a legal obligation (duty) has been breached (broken) or there was a failure to observe that duty.
An experienced personal injury and negligence lawyer can help you prove that the at-fault party “breached a duty of care,” leading to the accident and your injuries.
A “duty of care” is a legal principle which generally means that the party failed to act “with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances.” (24)
For example, a railroad company has a duty to maintain the structure of the roadbeds and tracks its trains run on. If it fails to maintain these structures, the company is liable for any accidents which occur.
Likewise, if a train operator is fatigued or intoxicated while operating a train, it is a breach of duty on the part of the operator. The operator must operate the train safely. If the operator does not, then the operator is liable for harm that results from an accident.
Often the cause of a train accident is not clear-cut and is a culmination of different contributing factors. In such cases, your attorney shows the court how much responsibility the party you are suing has for the accident and, therefore, your injuries.
For instance, in a clear-cut train accident that occurs at a crossing where the lights failed to warn you to stop, the accident is attributable to the failed lights. The train company is responsible for the accident.
Let’s say however, even though the crossing lights failed, the train had adequate time and distance to stop before hitting you, but didn’t. It didn’t stop because the operator of the train was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Now the cause of the accident is less clear-cut. The crossing lights contributed to the cause of the accident but so did the intoxicated train operator. Both the train company and the operator bear some responsibility for the accident.
Making matters worse, let’s say you saw the train when it was a long way off, thought you could make it across the tracks, but your car stalled while you were crossing.
Now you, the train company, and the train operator bear some responsibility for the accident.
The court determines how much responsibility each party bears for their part in causing the accident. Your damages award would be proportionate to how much responsibility you bear in causing the accident.
Actual damages are compensatory damages awarded to cover pain and suffering, mental or emotional anguish, and loss of companionship.
As an example, if you were seriously injured in a train accident and now suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of the accident, you may be awarded actual (compensatory) damages.
Another example would be if your spouse or partner was killed in a train accident, depriving you of company and companionship, the court could award actual damages.
Regardless of the damages awarded, rail safety is becoming more and more important. With more rail traffic, the potential for accidents continues to rise.
Weitz & Luxenberg has nearly 40 years of experience with personal injury and negligence litigation.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) — one of the largest public transportation systems in the United States — runs many of the subways and buses in the New York City area. Buses fall under the Manhattan & the Bronx Surface Transit Operating Authority (MaBSTOA). The MTA also operates commuter railroads.
Many customers take mass transit daily and many get injured by it. One glance at news headlines indicates New York mass transit accidents can and do happen with some degree of regularity.
In one incident reported by the New York Post, “A man was fatally struck by a train in Manhattan … according to MTA officials and police sources.” (1)
For those who have been involved in mass transit accidents, the damage and injuries may be extensive, with long-term effects. Recovery can be expensive and economically challenging.
Litigation may be the best way for you to gain compensation that may be due you after a mass transit accident.
Are you facing expensive medical care costs after a mass transit accident? Call us now for a free consultation.
(917) LAWYERSCompanies are expected to provide mass transit services that are safe and reliable. Mass transit operators should make sure that passengers get to their destinations safely. And pedestrians and bystanders should not be harmed while transit operations are underway.
To ensure that the interests of the public are served, mass transit systems are regulated by federal, state, and local governments. This has been true throughout the history of public transportation systems. (2)
“The provision of transit in the United States began as private enterprise, often subject to local and state regulations to ensure sufficient and stable service,” says The National Academies of Science, Engineering, Medicine. (3)
Today, mass transit companies are most frequently public (government) owned and operated. These companies are funded through a combination of federal grants, tax dollars, and fares.
Public mass transit systems often serve densely populated metropolitan areas that draw on a large tax base. They are typically cities, such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.
Public-private partnerships (PPP) are found particularly in rural areas where state and local governments already use private contracting for services. In addition to funding through federal grants, taxes, and fares, PPP systems encourage financial investments from the private sector. (4)
PPPs include arrangements that “may be project specific, in the instance of developing a new type of service or constructing a rail line, or systemwide, in the instance of procuring new buses or bidding out all or defined portions of operations and maintenance.” (5)
One of the things all of these different types of mass transit companies have in common is that accidents and injuries still occur.
The New York State Department of Transportation collects data on the following types of mass transit accidents: (6)
Using mass transit can be risky. It can even be risky if you are not riding but in a car or walking.
An accident can involve not only passengers but also people in vehicles that are hit, pedestrians walking along the street, or bicyclists. Even bystanders and mass transit workers can be injured during accidents.
Were you or a loved one injured in a mass transit accident? You may be eligible for compensation.
Get a Free Case ReviewA quick look at some statistics can show just how many people are injured on mass transit in a year. These numbers begin to add up.
As of the end of 2018, there were numerous active personal injury claims and lawsuits against New York mass transit.
But customer injuries are not limited to MTA systems. There are also customer injuries sustained in accidents on the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH).
The Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) runs in New York and New Jersey. It operates as a private corporation and is not funded by government grants or tax dollars. (9)
Like other mass transit systems, PATH has its share of accidents. One incident involved a tourist who had both her legs amputated after falling onto PATH tracks. The New York Post reports, she was hit “by not one but two locomotives …” (10)
And it is not just buses, subways, and trains that have accidents. There are accidents on New York waterways as well, particularly involving ferries.
Ferry ridership in New York can be as high as 100,000 trips per day. (11)
While ferries may have riders fewer than other modes of public transport, they also have accidents that can injure many people at once.
For example, 30 people were injured when a water taxi struck an access ramp in the Hudson River. Passenger injuries ranged from minor to serious. (12)
It is not uncommon among victims of mass transit accidents to suffer serious or traumatic injuries.
Whenever an accident occurs, you can be injured. When accidents involve mass transit, those injuries can be especially severe.
You may suffer from bad cuts, serious damage to your spine or other body parts, and even head injuries. In addition to causing permanent brain or body damage, many people die from these types of accidents.
Aside from the pain and suffering these injuries inflict, recovery requires medical treatment that can be expensive and last over a long period of time. Recovery may take weeks, months, or years.
Naturally, it is important to all parties concerned to determine just what causes mass transit accidents.
The causes of mass transit accidents are varied and complex. Accidents may be due to a combination of conditions and circumstances. Many, however, can be traced to human error.
Operator distraction is a major contributing factor to all kinds of accidents. One of the principal distractions for operators of all vehicle types is cell phone use, especially texting.
“Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed,” explains the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (16)
Immediately after the accident occurs, get medical attention. Your health and treatment of any injuries are your first concern.
The next step is to gather information about the accident. Take pictures with your cell phone, and get the names and addresses of everyone involved. This should include the person who caused the accident, other victims, and any witnesses.
Write down the number of the vehicle, too. This could include a license plate, bus and route, or subway car number.
As soon as you have addressed your medical needs and documented the accident, you should reach out to a negligence and personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help you determine who is at fault and what legal options you may want to pursue for any financial recovery.
Weitz & Luxenberg is a national law firm with nearly 40 years of experience representing clients in personal injury and negligence cases.
At Weitz & Luxenberg, our personal injury and negligence team has helped clients when they had nowhere else to turn. It would be our privilege to evaluate your case and assist you in determining your legal options.
“Electric scooter injuries increased by more than 45% annually,” according to a study of more than 86,500 individuals. In the five year period examined, there were more than 189,000 e-scooter injuries. (1)
People riding an e-scooter, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists, are at risk from accidents. Some of these accidents may result from a faulty e-scooter. Others are due to violation of traffic laws.
Additionally, higher injury rates seem to be associated with e-scooter rentals, a growing industry. (2) Anyone injured in an e-scooter accident may need to file a lawsuit to get financial compensation for their injuries.
As the use of electric scooters grows, the number of accidents involving scooters is increasing.
Scooter accidents and injury rates are a concern both nationally and locally. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports there were 209,600 e-scooter emergency department visits from 2017 through 2023. (3)
There were 1,329 standup scooter crashes, 782 e-bike crashes and 2,991 moped crashes in New York City in a two year period, according to the New York City Council. These micromobility crash statistics were reported by its Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. (4)
In March 2025, the CPSC announced recalls of roughly 220,000 Segway Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP KickScooters. The reason for the recall is, “The folding mechanism can fail and cause the handlebars or stem to fold while the scooter is in use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.” The CPSC says there have been 68 reports of failures resulting in 20 injuries. (5)
Defective products are dangerous and can result in injuries or death. If you were injured or a loved one was killed because of an e-scooter defect, you might benefit from a lawsuit to gain justice and compensation for your loss.
The CPSC report notes there were 164 e-scooter and 193 e-bike fatalities from 2017 through 2023. The primary problems with e-scooters were accidents with motor vehicles and control issues. (6)
Additionally, results of a special study on e-scooters injury cases determined that 40% of e-scooter-related emergency department visits were linked to rentals. Of these, 60% occurred on paved roads and 32 of the incidents were related to brake problems. (7)
Laws and regulations concerning scooter use within New York City (NYC) are clear. E-scooters are allowed in NYC, but cannot be operated faster than 15 miles per hour. They may be ridden in bike lanes and on streets where speed limits are up to 30 miles per hour. Helmets are required for 16 and 17 year olds and recommended for other people. (8)
An NYC Comptroller’s report with available data on crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving micromobility devices indicates, “E-bikes, stand-up scooters, and mopeds account for 1.8% of all pedestrian fatalities between 2020 to 2023, or eight out of 449; and roughly 4.5% of all pedestrian injuries, or 1,276 out of 28,450 total injuries.” This report goes on to say, “fatalities and injuries involving e-bikes, stand-up scooters, and mopeds have seen a significant uptick.” (9)
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury in a scooter accident, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewStudies show head injuries are the majority of serious injuries in e-bike and e-scooter accidents, but there are also neck and spinal injuries. “About 40% of the reported injuries occurred to the head and neck region,” says Johns Hopkins. (10)
Another study claims hospitalizations were required in 10% of scooter accidents. It states 37% of victims suffered internal injuries while 24% had lacerations. (11)
Annual rates of e-bicycle and e-scooter injuries increased from 2017 to 2022. This study found that of the riders injured on an e-scooter: (12)
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) states scooter accidents are associated with traumatic injuries requiring surgery. ACS says, “Compared to bicycle-related injuries, scooter-related injuries more often require surgical management and are associated with greater risks of long bone fractures and paralysis.” (13)
In another study, researchers looked at the surge in traumatic injuries from scooter accidents in major cities. They found: (15)
Aside from dangers posed by possible defects in scooters, there are the dangers posed by riders themselves. Alcohol and drug use, and failure to wear helmets while riding are risky behaviors. So is trying to fit two people on a scooter designed to carry only one person at a time.
Experts agree there is a need for more public education about laws that apply to all two-wheel vehicles, from bicycles to motorcycles, due to lack of awareness or understanding on the part of riders. (19) (20)
City streets pose dangers for electric scooter riders from potholes, to stopped or parked vehicles, to moving vehicles, to pedestrians.
If you have been injured in a scooter accident and are considering a lawsuit, Weitz & Luxenberg is one of your best chances of gaining a favorable settlement or jury award to compensate you for your pain and suffering.
Weitz & Luxenberg, as an experienced personal injury litigation firm, has a history of success in accidents and injury cases.
W&L secured a $20.5 million verdict, along with approximately $3 million in past and future medical expenses, for a victim of a car accident. The hit-and-run left our client paralyzed for life.
We also secured a $1.4 million settlement for a woman hit by an ambulance in New York City.
Contact us at (917) LAWYERS or fill out the form, so we can discuss your case and see what we can do for you.
Updated August 2025
There were 420 deaths in the U.S. caused by dogs between 2018 and 2023. There have been more animal-related fatalities in recent years, “including a notable increase in human deaths caused by dogs.” (2)
“Each year, dogs bite more than 4.5 million people in the United States,” according to the World Animal Foundation. Approximately 885,000 of the people bitten seek medical care. Of these, almost 370,000 require attention from the emergency department. (3)
The nonprofit goes on to say, “An American has a 1 in 50 chance of being bitten by a dog each year.” It continues, “Children are more vulnerable and receive 70% of all bite-related deaths.” (4)
The American Veterinary Medical Association points out that, “Home service providers like mail carriers or meter readers are also common targets.” (5)
If you have suffered serious dog bite injuries, been mauled by a dog, or a family member has died from a vicious dog attack, you may be eligible to sue to gain compensation for your injuries or loss.
The Mayo Clinic explains that while minor animal bites often only break the skin, the more serious bites are deep puncture wounds. In other cases, “skin is badly torn, crushed or bleeding severely.” (6)
Sometimes, dog attacks can cause severe disfiguring injuries or even death. Serious bites require immediate medical attention.
Whether the bite is minor or major, there is also a risk of rabies if the dog has not been properly vaccinated. If records are not available, it must be assumed there is a risk and medical treatment — rabies shots — needs to begin.
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene tracks dog bite cases within the city. Data shows there were more than 4,000 dog bite cases in 2024. (7)
The significant number of cases underscores the need for strong dog bite liability laws.
“A majority of states have adopted some sort of strict liability (36 states),” says the Animal Legal & Historical Center. (8)
Strict liability laws, where they apply, make owners responsible for certain harm or injury caused by their pets. These laws don’t require proof of negligence.
A dog owner may be responsible for certain damages, even if the dog did not previously have any dangerous or vicious behavior. (9)
In other states, dog bite strict liability laws apply only to dogs deemed to be “vicious” or “dangerous” under that state’s laws.
Depending on the state, owners can face negligence and even criminal penalties if their pets attack and seriously injure someone.
Dog bite claims can be expensive. In 2024, New York dog bite claims cost insurers $109.8 million. NY State ranked 6 among states with the highest number and cost of dog bite claims that year. New Jersey ranked 9 on that list, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). (10)
New York state takes a mixed approach to dog bite liability. If injured, you may pursue a claim based on ordinary negligence. In some circumstances, may also seek limited statutory recovery under New York’s dangerous dog laws. (11)
Some cities and municipalities in New York have enacted local dog regulations. Liability in dog bite cases is generally based on the specific facts and conduct involved.
Certain breeds are sometimes considered a higher risk. However, New York courts generally focus on an individual dog’s behavior and the owner’s conduct, rather than breed alone.
“Although Pitbulls and Rottweilers make up only 6% of dogs in the US, they’re responsible for most fatal attacks.” These breeds account for 76% of people killed in the U.S. by dogs. (12)
Under New York law, dog owners may be held legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets. Owners are responsible under principles of ordinary negligence. In limited circumstances, they may instead be liable under statutes applicable to dogs deemed dangerous.
New York law requires owners of dangerous dogs to pay for certain medical costs. But if you’ve been injured, you may also seek broader compensation by proving the owner failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.
Under New York State Law, a dangerous dog is defined as any dog which without justification attacks a person, companion animal, farm animal, domestic animal, or service animal and causes physical injury or death. (13)
The dangerous dog label also applies to any dog who “behaves in a manner which a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death.” (14)
There are some exceptions to the dangerous dog label.
The dangerous dog label cannot be applied to dogs when the injuries were sustained by someone committing a crime like trespassing — when you do not have permission to be on a property. A dog is also not considered a dangerous dog if you are committing other offense upon the owner of the dog or upon the property of the owner. (15)
It also cannot be applied to a dog protecting an owner, its owner’s property, or a member of their owner’s household. (16)
The dangerous dog label also isn’t valid when the dog was responding to pain or injury, has endured inhumane treatment such as torment or abuse by the person it attacked, or was protecting itself or its offspring. (17)
There are steps you should take if you were seriously injured by a dog in New York. These steps include:
Were you or a loved one seriously injured by a dog attack? Speak to an experienced attorney today for a free consultation.
Get a Free Case ReviewA good first step in filing a dog bite lawsuit in New York is to determine if the dog owner is liable.
Next, you need to demonstrate that your injuries resulted directly from the dog bite. This is where your documentation of the scene, including pictures and the incident report, helps support your claim.
Hire an attorney. If the owners of the dog are protected by insurance, the attorney may negotiate a settlement with their insurance company. If the owners are not protected by insurance, the attorney can file a claim against the owners in court.
There is a statute of limitations (time limit) for filing dog bite lawsuits. New York law allows you to sue only within 3 years from the date the bite occurred.
Most dog bite lawsuits are personal injury cases handled in civil courts. However, there are times when you may want to press criminal charges against the owner.
Criminal charges against a dog’s owner may be filed if the owner negligently allows the dog to bite someone, if the dog has a prior history of being a dangerous dog, and when the injuries are serious.
Serious injuries cause death, increase the risk of death, or lead to protracted disfigurement or impaired function of a body organ. (18)
Negligence under New York law involves a failure to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. This may include how a dog is controlled, restrained, or managed, regardless of whether the dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior.
And, if the dog in question unjustifiably kills or causes the death of someone, the owner is guilty of a class A misdemeanor in addition to any other penalties. (19)
Dog owners may defend themselves and their pets against dog bite claims using several strategies: (20)
If you own a dog, “Homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability. Most policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage,” advises the III. (21) So check your homeowners policy to be sure you are covered and what the limits of coverage are.
The III cautions that while homeowners policies cover dogs, once the dog has bitten someone it poses a greater risk to others. As a result, your premiums may increase, or the dog may be excluded from coverage. (22)
Additionally, III suggests you may want to purchase a broader personal liability policy or umbrella policy that provides greater protection from a wide range of possible lawsuits. (23)
Ultimately, training and control of a dog is the responsibility of the pet owner. To help promote responsible pet ownership, the CDC recommends everyone follow certain actions when coming in contact with a dog.
Weitz & Luxenberg has a successful personal injury litigation team with experience in a wide range of cases. Our team of dedicated attorneys wins verdicts and negotiates settlements on behalf of clients.
We have won millions of dollars for clients like you who suffered personal injury due to someone else’s negligence.
If you have been bitten by a dog and have suffered serious injuries, your best option is to get a free consultation with an attorney by calling (917) LAWYERS. Our experienced legal team can review your case and explore your options.
Police misconduct includes such actions as use of excessive force (police brutality), denial of basic constitutional rights, racial profiling, tasering, and illegal search and seizure.
Lately, it is the use of excessive force which has been the focus of much of the media’s attention. And for good reason. One study noted “Recent estimates suggest that over 70,000 people are injured during police encounters annually.” (1)
And, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics regarding nonfatal force, 49.2 million U.S. residents age 16 or older had contact with police in 2022. Among them, an estimated 1.5% experienced the threat or use of nonfatal force by police. This included using slurs or degrading names, handcuffing, threatening force, pushing or grabbing, hitting or kicking, using pepper spray, using an electroshock weapon, pointing or firing a gun, or using other force during the most recent contact. (2)
Likewise, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Use of Force Report notes, there were 9,777 total reportable police force incidents in 2023. Of these, “95.2% were classified as Level 1, 3.0% as Level 2, 1.5% as Level 3, and 0.3% as Level 4” uses of force. (3)
During 2023, the NYPD reported 12,860 individuals were subjected to some level of force by police. As a result of the use of force, there were 146 subjects who were substantially injured and 220 who were seriously injured. (4)
NYPD raw data tables of subject injuries for the third quarter of 2025 totaled 1,789. Of these injuries, 77 were serious, 45 were substantial, and 1,667 were simply noted as being physical. (5)
Additionally, 2025 incidence raw data reveals use of force incidents totaling 3,323 with 55 of those occurring while involved officers were off duty. There were 14 incidents that involved fire arms, 460 involved electrical weapons, 22 impact weapons, 24 OC spray, and 2,802 physical force. (6)
From these numbers, it is clear that you are not alone if you or a loved one was injured by the police. You may need to sue to get the justice you deserve. This includes suing for wrongful death.
The widely reported fatal arrest of George Floyd by four Minneapolis police officers is shocking. Floyd was killed when an officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes, even when Floyd pleaded with the officer that he could not breathe. (7)
Another incident is the fatal shooting of a 26-year-old emergency medical technician. Breonna Taylor was killed by Louisville police who entered her home to execute a search warrant without knocking or announcing themselves. (8)
These incidents are disturbing for several reasons. First, the use of excessive force, and secondly, the failure of police to treat suspects humanely.
These are just two of many police misconduct incidents which have come to light. Here are some other examples of police misconduct:
Darryl Williams, age 32 with heart problems, was tased four times during an arrest attempt by police in Raleigh, North Carolina. Police had found a powdery substance on a bill in Williams’ pants pocket and he tried to run away. Williams died of cardiac arrest “in the setting of cocaine intoxication, physical exertion, conducted energy weapon use, and physical restraint. The death was ruled a homicide,” according to reports by PBS News. (9)
A Florida TV news station report shows a Jacksonville police officer physically assaulting a man during a traffic stop. The driver was pulled over for “reportedly driving without his headlights on during the rain.” Bodycam shows the Black male driver sitting in his car as the white officer breaks the driver’s side window with an elbow, then yanks him from the vehicle. (10)
A Black South Carolina woman, Anaysheon Coffey, filed a lawsuit against the city of Lancaster Police Department after her wrongful arrest in 2020. The woman claimed she was racially profiled and wrongfully arrested at her home after an illegal search by a white officer.
The officer arrived at her home, seeking her child’s father. She refused to admit him without a warrant. The officer forced his way in and searched the premises. All charges against Ms. Coffey were later dropped.
“This resolution sends a powerful message that racial profiling and harassment won’t be tolerated,” said her attorney, Tyler Bailey. (11)
Police misconduct includes the denial of basic constitutional rights.
In the spring of 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi decided in favor of Desmond Green. He was falsely accused, by a police detective, of capital murder based on the testimony of an unreliable witness.
Mr. Green spent two years in a county detention center under deplorable conditions. The Equal Justice Initiative reported the facility was, “full of violence, rodents and snakes, and moldy food.” He feared for his life while enduring continuous yelling, fighting, and threats. And he regularly “had to sleep on the bare floor.” (12)
The police detective was the defendant in the case, but claimed he had qualified immunity” for the accusations. Qualified immunity “means people wronged by government agents cannot sue those agents unless the Supreme Court previously found substantially the same acts to be unconstitutional.” The court ruled against the detective in the federal civil rights lawsuit because “her actions violated clearly-established law.” (13)
The Equal Justice Initiative goes on to say, “In addition to keeping victims from obtaining—or even seeking—damages for egregious misconduct”, the court indicated that “another obvious consequence of qualified immunity… is a perpetuation of racial inequality.” (14)
The U.S. Department of Justice investigates and prosecutes law enforcement officers on violations of constitutional rights. “The Department’s investigations most often involve alleged uses of excessive force, but also include sexual misconduct, theft, false arrest, and deliberate indifference to serious medical needs or a substantial risk of harm to a person in custody.” The Department’s investigations also cover failure to intervene. (15)
However, there are two standards which must be met before the government can seek an indictment. First, the government has to be certain a federal crime has been committed by the officer. And second, the government must believe that the charges can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt and it can win the case. (16)
In roughly 99% of the cases, no charges are filed “when a police officer kills someone on the job.” (17)
If the federal government does not choose to investigate, you need to hire your own attorney to pursue your legal case against police misconduct. For federal claims, you have three years to file a Notice of Claim.
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury because of police misconduct, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewIf you are suing the NYPD, you must file a Notice of Claims with the New York City Comptroller’s Office within 90 days of the occurrence.
In New York, register your complaints of police misconduct simply by filling out a form. You can submit the form in person, by phone, by mail or e-mail, or online.
Be aware that the complaint form asks for your identity and contact information. There is no established process for making anonymous complaints.
However, the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Department does offer an unrecorded, anonymous tip line. (19)
In New York, you have 1 year and 90 days from the date of the incident to file your lawsuit.
A summons and complaint document must be served. This notifies the officers of the specific complaints against them and requires their presence at a hearing or in court.
The Discovery phase consists of evidence gathering through conducting interviews, the review of relevant facts, and any recorded media of the incident.
Motions (a procedural device) are made. Motions allow a limited or specific contested issue to be brought before the court for a decision.
Settlement negotiations ensue. This is where a specific dollar amount is agreed to as compensation. If no figure is reached, then the case goes to trial.
Trial is the legal proceeding in which arguments and evidence from the plaintiff (person suing) and the defense (person being sued) are presented in court before a judge.
Weitz & Luxenberg continues to win verdicts and negotiate settlements for our clients.
Weitz & Luxenberg has successfully represented clients for nearly 40 years. We stand up to people and organizations who wield power, on behalf of anyone who may be vulnerable.
In a free initial consultation, we can evaluate your case and help you understand your legal options. We would be honored to represent you in your time of need against any police misconduct that injured you.
Updated January 2026
Unfortunately, deaths and serious burn injuries from fires occur all too frequently. Each year in the U.S., more than 450,000 serious burn injuries occur.
In just one year, the number of people who died from fire or smoke inhalation reached roughly 3,670. (1) The odds of a U.S. resident dying from exposure to fire, flames or smoke is 1 in 1,266, according to the National Safety Council. (2)
The New York Post reported that in New York City 73 people died in fires during 2021. That number was up from the previous year’s total of 63. (3)
And, the U.S. Fire Administration data for 2022 indicate that in New York there were 0.8 deaths and 10.4 injuries per 1,000 fires. (4)
Even when you survive your injuries, your life will never be the same. Your recovery can take weeks, months, or even years. If you have received burn injuries, you are probably facing multiple treatments as you try to recover.
“Burns are tissue damage that results from too much sun, hot liquids, flames, chemicals, electricity, steam and other sources,” says the Mayo Clinic. (5)
Burn victims can suffer serious and painful injuries that may be life threatening, debilitating, or have complications. Besides the vision many people have of burns due to a large fire breaking out, there are different causes and types of burns.
Burn severity is measured in terms of degrees, your age, and the percentage of skin area affected by the burn, among other factors, explains The Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC). (7)
Mayo Clinic adds, “Burn symptoms vary depending on how deep the skin damage is. It can take a day or two for symptoms of a severe burn to develop.” (8)
Treatments for serious burn injuries range from medications and wound dressings to therapy and surgery. Treatments may take months and require follow-up care besides physical and occupational therapy. Treating a burn injury can be expensive and painful. (16)
According to the Mayo Clinic, serious burn victims may require a procedure where a breathing tube (tracheostomy) is inserted into a hole created in your neck so you can breathe. You may also require a feeding tube and intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration and organ failure. Antibiotics, along with pain and anxiety medications, can be administered intravenously. (17)
With some serious burn injuries, unhealthy tissues must first be removed before healing can begin. This may require another surgical procedure.
Debridement is a procedure to remove unhealthy tissue from a wound to promote healing.
In serious burn injuries that cover a large area of the body, skin grafts may be necessary.
“Skin grafts are thin layers of skin that surgeons take from an unburned area and then surgically place on the burned area,” explains MSKTC.
Grafting procedures are surgery that can pose risks and complications.
Skin grafts pose risks of complications in several areas. These include surgical risks, and complications with the grafted skin itself, among others.
If you have suffered a serious burn injury while at work, at an event, on the roadway, or even at home, you may be entitled to compensation. The cause of your burn injuries impacts who should be held responsible.
For example, if you suffer from overexposure to the sun due to sunbathing, you are accountable for your own injuries.
However, if you suffer a severe burn from a tanning bed that has malfunctioned, the business that owns and operates the tanning bed could be held responsible for your injuries. The tanning bed manufacturer may also be liable if the bed is defective.
If you are in a building or other structure and get caught in a fire that severely burns you, many groups could be held responsible, including the owner of the building.
If you or anyone you know has suffered a burn injury, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewIn personal injury cases, like burn injuries, the cause of the burn injury matters. If you have been injured due to the actions or negligence of someone else, you may be due compensation.
Importantly, if what caused your burn injury was a violation of the New York City Fire Code, you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
The New York City Fire Code is extensive and detailed. For example, it dictates the construction, accessibility, and even number and location of fire exits in buildings. (27)
These are only a few topics covered in the New York City Fire Code. It is intended to help prevent fires and save lives. When the Fire Code is ignored or otherwise violated, you may have grounds for a lawsuit against building owners and businesses.
However, there are other justifications for a lawsuit, such as either the lack of fire prevention measures at all, or they were carelessly adhered to.
Fire prevention measures should be in place in any building or business. These measures need to be diligently observed by building owners, employers, managers, and employees.
Yet many fires can be traced back to preventive measures done incorrectly or never even implemented. When that happens and you are injured in a fire, a lawsuit may be warranted.
For example, say that the cause of a fire in which you were burned was due to an electrical hazard. There might have been a problem with the building’s wiring, or it could be due to equipment malfunctions and frayed electrical cords.
It is the responsibility of the building’s owners to ensure the building’s wiring and electrical outlets are regularly checked and maintained.
If the fire is found to be due to equipment failure or frayed electrical cords connected to that equipment, the owner of that equipment ― the business ― is responsible.
Businesses and managers should regularly check, maintain, or replace equipment and electrical cords as needed. If they do not, the business and its management can be held liable.
Most states have a limited window of time for you to file a lawsuit to gain compensation for personal injuries. This window of time is called a “statute of limitations.”
Once this window has closed, you will not be able to file a lawsuit or make any claims against the parties responsible for your injuries. So you want to take any legal action sooner, rather than later.
The statute of limitations varies from state to state. According to the laws of New York, CPLR 214(5) sets the statute of limitations for personal injury claims at 3 years, beginning from the time your injuries were sustained. (32)
If you or a loved one has suffered serious burn injuries in New York, do not wait. Contact Weitz & Luxenberg as soon as possible. You need attorneys who are experienced in litigating large personal injury cases who can go up against large companies.
Weitz & Luxenberg has an experienced and knowledgeable legal team with a track record of success in these types of cases.
The Weitz & Luxenberg legal team has won large verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Updated April 2025
