Center City, PA - Woman Stabbed Twice While in the Concourse Area of the PATCO Station Beneath 15th and Locust Streets

Woman Wounded After Being Stabbed at PATCO Station 

CBS Philly reported a stabbing at the PATCO 15/16th & Locust Street Station in Center City, Philadelphia, PA. 

A little after 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 8, 2022, a woman was stabbed in the head and leg in the common area beneath the 15th and Locust Street Station. It was just feet away from the gates to the high-speed line. The woman was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and is said to be in stable condition. No arrests have been made at this time. 

PATCO raised concern for the ongoing issue of a homeless encampment that is located there. They believe an argument ensued between two people living in the encampment leading up to the stabbing incident. Management has repeatedly contacted the City of Philadelphia over the past few months, hoping for support or the city to take action. 

Mayor Jim Kenney's spokesperson stated that they had worked to remedy the situation, but as the temperatures drop, the population increases. They stated they are presently working with the partners to increase the safety of the public and passengers. 

Can I File a Lawsuit For Being Stabbed?

Attorney contributor Brian Kent is an experienced stabbing crime victim lawyer. Below is some information from Brian regarding the legal rights of victims stabbed at public transit stations. 

"Business owners, including public port authorities that manage public transit such as buses and subways, are legally responsible for ensuring their common areas are reasonably safe for their passengers. If a violent crime occurs at a transit station, it is important to investigate the security measures taken by the management. Necessary measures may include security cameras, sufficient lighting, and security personnel. If a station fails to fulfill this legal obligation, they could be deemed negligent."

"Sometimes stabbings occur due to negligence by the property owner. This could be a result of insufficient security measures or a lack of security improvement to match the increase in crime. In cases of negligence, victims and their families may have reason to pursue a civil lawsuit. Stabbing victims can learn more about their legal options by contacting an experienced stabbing crime victim lawyer." 

Sources:

CBS Philly