Many New York City residents rely on public transportation to get from point A to point B. If you experience a serious injury in an accident on a bus or train operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Transit Authority or a related organization, you may be eligible for legal damages.
Review the rules for seeking monetary compensation from the MTA after a debilitating public transit accident.
Filing a Notice of Claim
Before filing a personal lawsuit against a government agency, you must submit an official Notice of Claim form within 90 days of the accident. This document must detail the circumstances surrounding the accident and provide comprehensive information about your resulting injuries. You should also include your name and address and the contact information for your lawyer.
Supporting an injury claim
The agency in question can request a hearing within 30 days of receiving the notice of claim. The hearing will determine whether you can move forward with the lawsuit. Without a hearing request, you can continue with your legal claim as long as you file the lawsuit within one year and 90 days of the injury date.
For a successful personal injury lawsuit, you must show that the transit authority failed to uphold its duty to keep passengers safe. You must also prove that this negligence directly caused your injury and the resulting costs, such as medical bills and lost wages.
Carefully following protocol is an important factor of any legal claim against a government agency. Doing so can increase the chances of a successful case.
