MTA Safety Failures: How Faked Inspections Put Commuters at Risk of Electrocution

Every day, millions of commuters rely on the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to get them where they need to go. But what happens when the systems designed to keep them safe fail? Falsified safety inspections within the MTA can create a dangerous environment, potentially leading to severe injuries, including electrocution. Recent audits and investigations have revealed a disturbing pattern of neglected inspections and falsified reports, raising serious concerns about commuter safety.

The High Stakes of Public Transportation Safety

New York City has one of the largest and busiest public transportation systems in the world. More than half of New Yorkers rely on the MTA’s trains, subways, and buses daily. This places a significant responsibility on the MTA to ensure the safety of its passengers. When safety protocols are ignored or falsified, the consequences can be devastating.

Recent Incidents and Investigations

Several incidents have highlighted the critical importance of thorough and honest safety inspections:

Falling Debris: In 2019, a series of incidents involving debris falling from elevated subway tracks prompted an investigation by the MTA Inspector General. The investigation revealed that seven MTA employees had failed to perform mandatory track inspections and had falsified inspection reports to cover their neglect. This negligence put the public at risk of serious injury or even death.
Emergency Exit Hazards: A recent audit revealed that many emergency exits within the MTA system are in disrepair, with issues such as structural cracks, exposed wiring, corrosion, and tripping hazards. The audit found that 41% of the inspected locations required immediate attention, and over half of the emergency exit stairwells had serious defects.
Electrocution Risks: Electrocution incidents, though less frequent, pose a significant threat. In 2019, a woman died after being electrocuted on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks. In 2021, an ironworker was critically injured after being electrocuted while working on the LIRR third track expansion project.

The Consequences of Falsified Inspections

Falsifying safety inspections can have severe legal and safety consequences:

Increased Risk of Accidents: When inspections are skipped or falsified, potential hazards go undetected. This can lead to accidents such as train derailments, collisions, and electrocutions.
Legal Penalties: Employees who falsify inspection reports can face suspension and potential criminal charges. In Texas, for example, those caught issuing fraudulent motor vehicle inspections can face felony charges for tampering with a government document.
Civil Liability: The MTA can be held liable for injuries and deaths resulting from negligence. A judge had already ruled that NYC Transit was negligent for failing to protect James Knell, a transit worker electrocuted on the job. His family later settled for $4 million.
Reputational Damage: Safety failures and falsified inspections can damage the MTA’s reputation, leading to a loss of public trust.

Why Do Inspections Get Faked?

Several factors can contribute to the falsification of safety inspections:

Lack of Oversight: Insufficient oversight by supervisors and managers can create an environment where employees feel they can skip inspections without being caught.
Pressure to Maintain Schedules: Pressure to keep trains running on time may incentivize employees to cut corners on safety inspections.
Inadequate Training: Insufficient training can lead to inspectors not fully understanding the importance of their job or how to properly conduct inspections.
Intentional misconduct: Some inspectors may intentionally skip inspections and falsify reports for personal gain or to avoid dealing with identified problems.

Who is Held Accountable?

When safety failures occur due to faked inspections, multiple parties may be held accountable:

Individual Inspectors: Inspectors who skip inspections or falsify reports can face disciplinary action, including suspension or termination. They may also face criminal charges, depending on the severity of their actions.
Supervisors and Managers: Supervisors and managers who fail to provide adequate oversight can also be held accountable. They may face disciplinary action or be held liable for negligence.
The MTA: The MTA itself can be held liable for safety failures resulting from negligence. This can lead to costly lawsuits and damage to the agency’s reputation.

Legal Options for Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured due to MTA safety failures, you have legal options:

Personal Injury Lawsuit: You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the MTA to recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit: If a loved one has died due to MTA safety failures, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

How to Improve MTA Safety

Several steps can be taken to improve MTA safety and prevent future incidents of faked inspections:

Increased Oversight: Implement stricter oversight of inspectors and managers to ensure that inspections are being conducted properly.
Technological Solutions: Utilize technology to track inspections and verify that inspectors are completing their assigned routes.
Improved Training: Provide inspectors with better training on safety procedures and the importance of their role.
Anonymous Reporting Systems: Establish confidential reporting systems to encourage employees to report safety violations without fear of retaliation.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of the MTA’s safety procedures to identify and address potential weaknesses.

The Role of an Attorney

Navigating the legal complexities of an MTA safety failure case can be challenging. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you:

Investigate the Accident: Gather evidence to determine the cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties.
Negotiate with the MTA: Negotiate with the MTA and its insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
File a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Maximize Compensation: Work to maximize the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.

Protecting Commuters: A Call to Action

The safety of New York City’s commuters should be the MTA’s top priority. By addressing the issue of faked inspections and implementing stricter safety protocols, the MTA can help prevent future accidents and ensure that commuters can travel safely. If you or a loved one has been affected by MTA safety failures, it is essential to seek legal guidance and hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact a personal injury attorney today to discuss your legal options and protect your rights.