$110 Million Verdict for Cyclist Paralyzed by Falling Railroad Tie During Subway Maintenance in Brooklyn
In April of 2025, a 23-year-old cyclist suffered catastrophic spinal injuries fter being struck by a falling railroad tie from an elevated subway track in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The accident occurred during maintenance work on the J/M Line when a rotten wooden tie detached and fell through a twelve-foot gap in the street barricades, striking the cyclist below. The jury ultimately awarded $110,174,972.38, holding the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) fully responsible for the tragedy.
The verdict is believed to be the largest non-medical malpractice jury award in New York history. It reflects the Transit Authority’s failure to enforce basic safety procedures, including inspection of rotten ties and maintaining proper barricades in designated drop zones.
The Personal Injury Lawsuit
The case was brought in Kings County Supreme Court, after the Brooklyn resident was paralyzed. During a scheduled track replacement, NYCTA workers were removing large sections of rail and the wooden ties beneath them. The crew failed to inspect or secure the ties, one of which was severely rotted.
As the cyclist rode along Broadway beneath the elevated structure, he entered a section of the street where a twelve-foot gap in the barricades left the drop zone exposed. A nearby worker told him it was safe to proceed. Moments later, the rotten railroad tie fell from above and struck him with devastating force. The cyclist’s thoracic spine was crushed, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down.
Attorneys representing the injured cyclist argued that the Transit Authority failed in multiple duties—inspecting materials, enforcing safety barriers, and securing debris before removal. These basic oversights directly caused the life-altering injuries sustained by the plaintiff.
The Appeal
The Transit Authority attempted to limit its liability, arguing that safety standards were followed and that workers warned the cyclist of the danger. The plaintiff’s legal team, led by experienced personal injury attorneys, demonstrated that the failure to inspect railroad ties and the twelve-foot barricade gap constituted gross negligence. The appellate court affirmed that the Transit Authority bore complete responsibility.
After an 11-day trial spanning three weeks, the jury returned a verdict of $110,174,972.38, including $60 million for pain and suffering, $40 million for future medical expenses, and approximately $10 million for past medical costs. The decision sent a powerful message on the importance of adhering to safety protocols in urban construction and maintenance work.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Catastrophic injury cases involving construction zones and falling debris require detailed investigation and expert testimony. A skilled personal injury attorney can identify safety lapses, secure witness accounts, and hold negligent parties accountable. The $110 million verdict in this case illustrates how strong legal representation can lead to justice and life-changing compensation. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident involving falling objects or unsafe work zones, hiring an experienced attorney is critical to obtaining justice and full compensation.
Sternberg Injury Law Firm
Attorneys of the Sternberg Injury Law Firm have represented injury victims throughout New York State in serious accident cases, including construction-related and falling-object incidents. Our firm is dedicated to achieving justice for those harmed by negligence. If you or a loved one suffered a similar injury, contact us for a free consultation. We can help you pursue the compensation and medical care you deserve.