NYC Jury Verdict Pushes MTA Toward Safer Platforms

Brooklyn jury awards $81.7 million to woman who lost leg in L train accident at station

MTA Jury Verdict

A Brooklyn jury ordered the MTA to pay $81.7 million to Kayla Sanabria, who lost her right leg after being struck by an L train at the Myrtle-Wyckoff station in September 2016. The jury found the transit agency negligent for not installing platform barriers despite knowing the dangers, according to NY1. Sanabria's attorney, Benedict Morelli, said the verdict sends a clear message that the MTA must prioritize passenger safety. Officials didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on the verdict.

Safety Concerns Persist

The verdict highlights ongoing concerns about track intrusion incidents in the subway system. Over 300 people entered subway tracks in 2024 alone, according to evidence presented during the trial. Transit officials haven't released comprehensive historical data on how many riders have been struck by trains over the years. The jury determined the MTA knew about platform dangers but failed to implement protective measures that've become standard in many modern transit systems worldwide. Specific details about what safety improvements the agency plans weren't immediately available.

Verdict Details

The $81.7 million award represents one of the largest verdicts against the MTA for a platform safety incident. A breakdown of the award between compensatory and punitive damages wasn't immediately available. Sanabria suffered severe injuries including loss of her right leg below the knee, multiple fractures, and ongoing medical complications requiring continued treatment. The jury's decision came after hearing evidence about the MTA's knowledge of track intrusion dangers and the agency's failure to install barriers. Whether the transit agency plans to appeal the verdict remains unclear.

Legal Precedent

The verdict follows a similar 2019 case where a jury awarded $110 million to a man who lost both legs after being pushed onto subway tracks in 2016, though that award was later reduced to $30 million. Legal experts weren't immediately available to comment on whether this verdict could establish precedent for future platform safety cases. The MTA hasn't announced specific plans or timelines for installing platform barriers system-wide. Details about the trial's length and jury deliberation time weren't available by publication time.

Rider Impact

Sanabria told reporters she's grateful for the jury's decision and hopes it brings attention to the need for better safety measures in the subway system. The verdict may encourage other riders injured in similar incidents to pursue legal action against the transit agency. Officials haven't said whether the ruling will accelerate safety improvement plans or affect the agency's budget for platform modifications. Riders can check Moovit for real-time service updates and station information across the MTA network.