City-Related Injury Claims
When New Yorkers are injured by the actions of a City Employee
If you’ve been injured because of the actions or negligence of a city worker — whether a bus driver, subway operator, police officer, teacher, or building inspector — you may have the right to file a claim against the city. At Reiff Law, we help New Yorkers hold municipalities accountable when public employees cause accidents or injuries.
Common City-Related Injury Claims
You may have a case if your injury was caused by:
- Bus and Subway Accidents — negligence by city transit drivers or operators.
- Unsafe Sidewalks and Streets — broken pavement, potholes, or poorly maintained public spaces.
- School Negligence — unsafe conditions or staff negligence leading to student injuries.
- Police Misconduct — wrongful arrest, excessive force, or civil rights violations.
- Defective Traffic Signals — broken or malfunctioning lights that lead to crashes.
Why These Cases Are Different
Lawsuits against New York City or other municipalities follow special rules and strict deadlines:
- You must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of your accident.
- After that, you generally have 1 year and 90 days to file your lawsuit (less for wrongful death claims).
- Missing these deadlines can prevent you from recovering compensation — it’s critical to act quickly.
What Compensation May Be Available
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- In cases of police misconduct: additional remedies under state and federal law
Frequently Asked Questions
What is municipal liability in plain language?
It’s when a city or its employees cause harm — for example, a crash with an MTA bus, a fall on a broken sidewalk, or injuries from police misconduct — and you seek compensation for your injuries.
What is a Notice of Claim, and why is it important?
A Notice of Claim tells the city you intend to file a lawsuit. In most cases it must be filed within 90 days of the incident. Missing this step can bar your claim.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
After the Notice of Claim, you generally have 1 year and 90 days from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death claims often have shorter deadlines.
Can New York municipal employees sue their employers?
Sometimes. It depends on the facts and the law that applies. An attorney can evaluate whether claims can be brought against the municipality or other responsible parties.
What should I do first?
- Get medical care and document your injuries.
- Save photos, video, and witness information.
- Contact an attorney quickly so the 90-day Notice of Claim deadline isn’t missed.
Why Choose Reiff Law
With over 40 years of experience handling claims against New York municipalities, Reiff Law knows how to navigate the process and fight for your rights. We’ve helped clients injured by city workers pursue justice and fair compensation.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
If you were hurt because of a city worker’s negligence, contact Reiff Law for a free case evaluation. Deadlines apply — the clock may already be running.
