The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has launched an investigation to determine what caused a horrific subway accident that killed 20-year-old Joe Ancona who was trying to catch a downtown 1 train at the Columbus Circle train station the evening of Oct. 24. According to an NBC New York news report, Ancona ran down the platform and reached the train when his clothing got stuck in the door and he was dragged on the tracks where he was hit by another train. He died from his injuries.
Ongoing Accident Investigation
The MTA is looking into whether the conductor was watching the platform out of a
window, as required, when the train pulled out of the station. It was also not clear if anyone saw Ancona struggle or whether the conductor could have opened the doors. This tragic subway accident highlights some potential dangers of the transit system at a time when there have been several instances of random violence where commuters have been pushed onto subway tracks.
The victim was reportedly a member of the stage crew at the Metropolitan Opera in Manhattan. We offer our deepest condolences to the family members of Joe Ancona for their tragic loss. They will be in our thoughts and prayers.
How and Why Subway Accidents Occur
There are a number of reasons why subway accidents occur. In each case, it is important that a thorough investigation is conducted into how and why the accident occurred. One of the most common types of subway accidents are slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents caused by uneven or worn surfaces, liquid spills, slick surfaces, broken stairs and poorly-maintained elevators or escalators in the subway stations. Lack of barriers and barricades as well as excessive gaps between the platform and train also result in tragic subway accidents.
Subway commuters can also be severely injured or killed on the tracks when they are run over by trains that are not operated in a safe manner. Train operators who are inexperienced or not properly trained pose a danger to commuters as do negligent conductors and engineers. Some of the common examples of negligent operation include:
• Failure to obey traffic control devices
• Excessive train speed
• Lack of proper communication
• Inadequate training for operators, conductors and drivers
• Impaired or distracted train operation
• Improperly managed train doors
• Failure to properly inspect trains for mechanical issues and equipment failure
Compensation for Victims
Subway accidents have the potential to result in major injuries or fatalities. If you have been injured as a result of negligence (carelessness), you may be able to receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. If you have lost a loved one in a subway accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, pain and suffering and loss of love and companionship.
If you or a loved one has been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a subway accident, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. In one case, our firm represented a man who jumped in front of an oncoming subway train and had to have his legs amputated below the knees. A verdict of $3.22 million was achieved for our client despite being advised by a well-respected judge to settle the case for $90,000.
For over 51 years, our skilled attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and $2,000,000 in a hit-and-run accident, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/mta-investigates-after-nyc-man-dragged-to-death-in-horrible-freak-subway-accident/3925306/