New York Train Accident Victim Wins Award
A 47-year-old woman who had suffered serious spinal injuries from a fall while boarding a Metro-North Railroad car has been recently awarded more than $500,000, The Journal News reports. According to the article, Karen McIlvenny, 47 slipped on the icy platform of the Brewster train station while boarding, causing her to fall into the gap between the car and the platform.
The December 2003 accident had caused “permanent injuries" to McIlvenny’s sacroiliac joint, found at the base of the spine, and her pelvic bone and will require long-term medical care, the report said. State Supreme Court Justice Andrew O'Rourke of Putnam County awarded McIlvenny $518,000 in compensation, including $228,000 in lost income, $250,000 for physical pain and mental suffering, and $40,000 for out-of-pocket expenses.
The main issue with this case is the distance of the gap between the car and the platform, which is estimated to be about 12 inches wide. According to experts, apparently the width of the gap should be between 4 to 7 inches. This is clearly not the first time such an incident has happened involving Metro-North, with the Brewster train station recording six train accident cases in New York alone. According to a 2007 study by the state Public Transportation Safety Board, this station is considered a high-profile location for gap-related incidents.
The law firm of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro specializes in New York personal injury accident cases. Our attorneys are committed to representing clients who have suffered serious physical or emotional injury through the negligent actions of others. We’ve routinely and successfully handled cases such as this railroad car accident against large public transportation companies. Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
