Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Wet Floor Leads to Subway Accident - And Lawsuit
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 5, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 5, 2007
Modified Mar 7, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A man's fall into the subway tracks is now cause for a lawsuit. Angel Diaz, a nurse's aide who was headed to Lincoln Hospital for a job application, says he slipped on the wet platform at the 143rd Street Station and then "tripped on a bump in the cement used to repair a leak from a janitor's closet." Diaz's lawyer says he "flew" onto the tracks, where a subway car ran over his hand.
The Post reports that Diaz lost three fingers and half his palm, and his lawyer says the MTA is guilty of "double negligence": The poorly maintained platform and a train operator who could have stopped in time but didn't. While the MTA didn't have a comment, we bet they'll try to determine how fast Diaz was walking before settling. But the thing is, so many stations platforms are slippery, especially with leaks that create pools of water. While it's near impossible to attend to all of them immediately, hearing how MTA Chairman Kalikow is quick to fix a low-trafficked LIRR station drives home the point that many hopes are literally riding on MTA Executive Director Elliot Sander's shoulders.
Also bad: Many stairs between the street and the subway stations. Some stairs have metal tread-guard things on top of the concrete steps, but those many of those guards are worn down and are very smooth - perfect for slipping.
Tagged
Chairman Kalikow
Elliot Sander
Executive Director
hospital
lawsuit
lincoln hospital
MTA
MTA chairman
MTA Chairman Kalikow
MTA Executive Director
MTA Executive Director Elliot Sander
Street Station
subway
the post
train
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .