Submit Municipal Liability Claims in New York

Get paid when filing municipal liability claims in New York. Anyone can actually sue a public office or entity at the state, county, or local governmental level for monetary damages. There are many reasons to file such a claim, and these include death, property damage, violation of protected rights, and physical harm.

If a loved one or any family member has been injured or met with an accident while inside a governmental or municipal office, seek the help of an experienced and qualified municipal liability lawyer to get in-depth advice and the available legal options, including the process of filing a case.

What is Municipal Liability?

A municipal liability case can encompass a wide range of potential claim types that may be brought against various government entities, including transportation authorities, city and county governments, and state agencies.

Common Types of Municipal Liability Cases

  • Accidents due to road work hazards
  • Casualty issues
  • Accidents involving government vehicles
  • Bus accidents
  • Government equipment defects
  • Any case involving negligence or recklessness of a government team member or agency
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How to File a Municipal Lawsuit Claim

A notice of claim must be initially filed before pursuing a civil lawsuit for damages, property damage, wrongful death, or personal injury against a local or state government, any government team member, or government agency. This notice must be filed within 90 days of the date of the incident or accident which is the basis of the claim.

Notice of Claim Requirements

The notice of claim must be signed in front of a notary, handwritten, and contain the following information:

  • The dollar amount of injuries or damages sustained
  • The manner, place, and time in which the claim arose
  • The nature of the claim
  • The claimant’s name and address
  • The name and address of the claimant’s lawyer

The notice of claim must be served by certified or registered mail or by personal delivery, upon a person authorized by law to receive the summons. The claim may also be received by a lawyer who represents the government entity. Failure to file the notice of claim within 90 days or failure to include all injury claims can result in the claims being barred or the case being dismissed.

Filing Timeframe

At least 30 days must pass from the date the notice was filed before the municipal lawsuit can commence, allowing the concerned government entity sufficient time to investigate the claim. The complaint that leads to the commencement of the lawsuit must state that the notice of claim was correctly filed within the required 90-day time frame and that a period of 30 days has since passed.

New York City Government Claim Examination

In New York City, the government will have the right to conduct an examination during the proceedings. During this period, it will investigate the claims surrounding the incident, including the extent of the damages or injuries the claimant sustained.

An examination in the form of an oral deposition is typical in many municipal claims hearings, where an attorney appointed by the government body will ask the claimant several questions. The claimant’s answers will be given under oath and recorded by a stenographer. The claimant may also be required to undergo a medical exam performed by an independent physician.