Train Derailment Lawyers
New Yorkers regularly rely on public transportation to navigate the five boroughs. Whether traveling by train, subway, or ferry, New Yorkers can expect to face a myriad of issues on their daily voyages, ranging from overcrowded platforms, to mechanical issues. This summer has seen its fair share of delays, and recently derailments. Over the past few weeks, a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train traveling from Penn Station to Port Washington lost its first axle and front two wheels, causing it to derail, forcing approximately 500 passengers to catch another train to Queens. This was the second time an LIRR train derailed in less than two weeks. The previous LIRR derailment, which occurred on July 30, resulted in one employee on board injuring his back, although no customers were on board.
And while rare, train derailments can result in serious bodily injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage. The inertia of the train and forces of gravity at play can wreak havoc on human body. In a January 4, 2017 derailment, passengers were sent flying out of their seats like rag dolls when their LIRR train barreled into Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, New York. Some of the seriously injured passengers sued the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in Queens Supreme Court for the injuries they sustained.
Train derailments can be caused by numerous factors, including train defects, track defects, and operator error. In New York, the National Transportation Safety Board is responsible for launching investigations into train accidents. During the investigative process for a train accident, the Board sends a team of specialists which includes track and locomotive engineers, and signal system specialists to conduct an on-scene analysis, which is memorialized in an investigative report. The important work done by this Federal agency, and its state and local counterparts, can be critical for us as train derailment lawyers in litigating your personal injury case. For example, the NTSB conducted an investigation into the January 4, 2017 Barclay Terminal LIRR derailment accident, and found that the operator was likely suffering from sleep apnea, and dozed off when the accident occurred. As demonstrated, accident investigation reports can contain a treasure trove of information, including witness statements, measurements, repair records, and photographs, which can be used to successfully prosecute your case.
How Our Train Derailment Lawyers Can Help
Here at the Grandelli & Eskenasi, we understand the importance of obtaining these reports and how to obtain them through the proper channels. For example, we regularly seek disclosure of investigative reports conducted by local police departments and other governmental agencies. Our train derailment lawyers and staff use tools such as the Freedom of Information Law to promote the free flow of information and gather essential facts needed to help our clients win many different types of cases. However, our investigations do not end there. Our office works with the top experts in their field to build our clients’ cases on a strong evidentiary foundation.
Our office is experienced as train derailment lawyers in handling any type of mass transit accident claims, including accidents caused by the Long Island Railroad, the New York City subway, PATH, and Metro-North transportation systems.
If you or someone you know was injured in any type of train accident, please contact our office for a free consultation.
