Who Is Liable if I Slip and Fall on the Subway?
Between three and four million people ride the New York City subway daily. With that volume comes risk: slip and fall accidents occur regularly in stations, on stairs, and on platforms. Poor maintenance, inadequate lighting, wet floors, broken handrails, and overcrowding all contribute to these injuries.
When those accidents happen as a result of negligence on the part of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), the New York City slip and fall lawyers at Douglas & London help accident victims to recover compensation for their injuries. Damages claims against the MTA and other New York City authorities are more challenging than lawsuits against private parties. However, we have the knowledge and experience to meet those challenges.
When is the MTA Liable for Damages in Subway Slip and Fall Accidents?
The MTA must maintain safe conditions for subway riders, but this duty has limits. You cannot recover damages for injuries caused by crimes or intentional acts—unless the MTA knew about the danger and failed to act.
For example, if the MTA knew about a broken stairway railing or a persistently wet platform and did nothing, they may be liable for resulting injuries. In 2017, a deliveryman tripped on a chipped platform at Bronx Parkchester station and fell onto the tracks as a train entered. He lost five toes and was awarded $22.75 million in 2025.
If you’ve been injured on MTA property, consult a personal injury lawyer immediately to determine whether you have a valid claim.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in NYC Subway Stations
Slip and fall hazards are common throughout the subway system. The MTA can be held responsible when negligence contributes to dangerous conditions such as:
- Wet floors from roof leaks or spilled liquids left unaddressed
- Snow and ice tracked into entrances during winter weather
- Broken, loose, or crumbling stair tiles
- Poorly lit stairs and platforms
- Accumulated trash or debris in walkways
- Construction materials left unsecured
- Malfunctioning escalators or elevators
The MTA manages more than 472stations, many of which are aging structures that require constant upkeep. When riders ignore hazards, they can become seriously injured.
How Can You Make a Successful Claim Against the MTA for a Subway Slip and Fall Injury?
The MTA manages or controls hundreds of subway stations. It is not reasonable to fix every problem or dangerous condition immediately. However, a claim for injuries in the NYC subway system will be more likely to succeed if the MTA had prior notice or control over dangerous conditions. Yet despite this knowledge, they did nothing to remedy it within a reasonable amount of time. We can investigate an accident to determine if:
- The MTA received written notice of a hazard more than 15 days before
an accident - The MTA’s employees or contractors performed faulty or inadequate
repairs or left construction equipment or debris in pedestrian walkways - The MTA was aware of frequent criminal activity at a specific
station but did nothing to increase security or ensure subway passenger safety
at that station.
As with all slip and fall cases, an accident victim’s opportunity to recover damages will depend on the specific facts of the case. The skills and abilities of a victim’s lawyer to investigate and describe those facts is often the most significant element in a successful claim.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Accident Lawsuit Against the New York City Subway?
You must file a notice of claim against the MTA within 90 days of your injury. This notice must be in writing, sworn under oath, and include: your name and address, the nature of your claim, when and where the incident occurred, and the injuries you sustained.
Missing this 90-day deadline will bar your lawsuit. However, you can petition the court for an extension. Courts consider factors like whether the MTA had actual knowledge of your injury, whether you were incapacitated, or whether you made a good-faith error about which agency to file against.
After filing your notice of claim, you have one year and 90 days from the date of injury to file your lawsuit. Contact a lawyer immediately after a subway accident to ensure you meet these strict deadlines.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall in the NYC Subway
The actions you take right after the fall can significantly strengthen your legal claim:
- Report the incident. Notify station personnel immediately. You can also report safety issues online through the MTAFeedbackSystem.
- Document the scene. Take photos/videos of the hazard, lighting conditions, and any lack of warning signs.
- Collect witness information. Get names and phone numbers of commuters who saw what happened.
- Seek medical attention quickly. Serious injuries like TBIs or fractures aren’t always obvious right away. Treatment records are vital evidence.
- Preserve your clothing and shoes. They may show signs of the hazard, such as slippery residue or broken tile dust.
- Consult a lawyer. Do this before speaking with MTA insurance adjusters. Any recorded statement could be used to reduce or deny compensation.
What Damages Can a Subway Slip and Fall Accident Victim Recover?
If an accident victim can show that the MTA did not use proper care to prevent an accident or to warn about known hazards, they can recover compensation. This could include actual and anticipated medical expenses, costs of rehabilitative therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The MTA might attempt to settle this quickly by offering to reimburse immediate medical expenses and nothing else.
Subway accident victims should always consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement offers to verify that they are receiving the full amount of damages that they are entitled to receive.
Call Douglas and London for a Free Consultation
if you have sustained in a slip or trip and fall accident in a New Your City subway station, we can help. Contact our New York City personal injury lawyers as soon as you can to make sure that you do not miss your opportunity to recover the compensation you deserve.
