New York City Municipal Liability Attorneys | Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.

Were you hurt by a government entity or hurt on government property? You could have a case against the city, but these lawsuits are complex.

Turn to an experienced New York City municipal liability attorney. At Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., our personal injury lawyers have helped countless clients recover hundreds of millions in settlements through successful lawsuits over the years, like this $1.8 Million settlement with NYC.

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Understanding NYC Municipal Liability Claims

As an entity, the city is obligated to keep its premises, employee, and property in safe working order. If you are hurt because of someone’s negligent behavior or reckless actions, you could have a personal injury claim.

Like other personal injury cases, you can sue the city if you were hurt by a city employee, contractor, or because someone from the government failed to take proper care and you were hurt as a result. For instance, if you were hit because a garbage truck driver was speeding, the city can be held responsible for the damages the crash caused.

Does Sovereign Immunity Apply to My Case?

There are limits to what suits can be filed, so working with a New York City personal injury lawyer is critical. “Sovereign immunity” states that some government agencies are immune from lawsuits for personal injury claims caused by conditions on their property or actions by their representatives.

New York has waived sovereign immunity if victims follow strict guidelines for recovering compensation from the responsible agency. That means if you follow these guidelines, you should be able to sue the city agency responsible.

Compensation Available in Municipal Liability Cases

A lawsuit against the city will allow you to recover damages caused by their employee’s negligence or their property’s hazardous conditions. Like other personal injury suits, you can make a claim to recover economic and non-economic damages.

Your economic damages are tangible losses, the items you pay for out of your own pocket. That includes any current or future medical bills, lost wages, or damaged property.

Your non-economic losses are harder to calculate, but are still valid to pursue. These losses are the ones incurred because you were hurt. They are conceptual damages you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries. These include things like emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, or loss of companionship.

What If I’m a City Employee Hurt on the Job?

If you were working for New York City when you were injured in an accident, you might have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to recover damages. All employees of the City of New York are protected under workers’ compensation laws.

However, some employees, such as police, firefighters, teachers, and uniform sanitation, have separate systems.

A serious injury on the job can result in excessive medical bills and lost wages, among other damages. Find out how much your claim is worth by calling an NYC workers’ comp lawyer.

Filing Municipal Liability Claims Against New York City

Recovering damages for an accident caused by the city or one of its employees is possible, but you must follow certain guidelines for the best chance to recover compensation.

First, you are required to file a notice of claim within 90 days of the accident. Once you notify the city, you will receive a claim number.

Then, you must wait 30 days for the city to review your claim. The city may offer you a settlement. However, most initial settlement offers are extremely low and do not consider all your damages. It’s important to work with a government liability lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

After the waiting period, you may file a lawsuit against the city in court. However, the lawsuit must be started within one year and 90 days from the loss or accident.

If you fail to meet these deadlines or do not include the full details of your claim, you may forfeit your right to compensation.

When Can I File a Claim Against New York City?

Just like a private individual can be responsible for their actions or inaction, the City of New York can be held accountable as well. Here are some common situations in which New York City may be held liable.

  • Garbage Truck Accidents – If a motor vehicle accident involves a garbage truck working for New York City, the city may be responsible for damages the garbage truck driver caused.
  • City Work Vehicle Accidents – The City has thousands of vehicles that work under its oversight. If the driver of one of these vehicles causes an accident, the city may be responsible for your damages.
  • Subway & Mass Transit Accidents – If you are injured in the subway or while riding on mass transit in New York City, you are entitled to compensation from the city. That can include wrecks and premises liability accidents like slips, trips, and falls.
  • City Agency Negligence – City agencies like the New York City Police, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Technicians may fail to uphold the duties of their jobs. In that case, the city can be held accountable for the damages they cause.
  • Injuries on Government Property – If you are hurt in a government building, at a park, or other property owned by the City of New York, you may be able to get compensation for your damages as a result.
  • City Contractor Negligence – Sometimes, the city hires a private company to work for them; however, New York City is still responsible for their actions. You may have a claim against more than one party if a city contractor causes you harm.

These claims are based on negligence laws, car accident laws, premises liability, and other New York statutes. It’s important to work with a municipal liability attorney to help you understand which laws apply.

Municipal Liability FAQs

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Partly At Fault?

Yes. New York follows the “pure comparative negligence” rule. That means as long as you aren’t more than 50% or more responsible for your injuries, you can still recover some of your damages. The court will determine how much you contributed to your injuries, and any settlement you win will be reduced by that percentage. If you were texting when a garbage truck crashed into you, you could be considered partially responsible for any injuries you receive. If you won a $1 million settlement but you were 25% responsible, you’d receive $750,000.

What Goes On My Notice of Claim?

Your notice of claim is the document that alerts the city that you expect compensation for the injury their negligence caused. It will have your name, home address, contact information, your attorney’s name, a description of your accident, your injuries, and list all the damages you are seeking compensation for.

Will the City Automatically Accept My Claim?

The city may not agree to your claim. It reserves the right to review your claim and even question you about the incident in a hearing known as a 50-H. If your claim is denied or it’s been more than 30 days after your claim was filed, you may file a lawsuit against the city. You have one year and 90 days after the accident to do so.

A Municipal Liability Attorney Can Help You

If you were hurt and the city is at fault somehow, you should immediately contact an NYC municipal liability lawyer with HKD. You have very little time to begin a claim. Our attorneys will listen and determine what you can expect. Then, we will make sure you get the most compensation possible.

Call Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek P.C. at 212-490-5700 or use our contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

CLIENT REVIEWS

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09/09/2021

When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.

5 Stars Review 5
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08/11/2021

Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.

5 Stars Review 5
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06/22/2021

I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.

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04/01/2021

I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.

5 Stars Review 5
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03/01/2021

Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/25/2021

I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/23/2021

Amazing job, settled my case in 90 days.

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02/23/2021

I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/23/2021

I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/29/2021

I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/19/2021

The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/18/2021

Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I have known Judd Kleeger for over a decade now. By far the smartest hardest working attorney I have ever dealt with. His advice has been spot on time and time again. Highly recommend him.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/14/2021

Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/14/2021

Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/06/2021

We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….

5 Stars Review 5
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12/29/2020

Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/28/2020

Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/11/2020

My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/10/2020

Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/08/2020

Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/07/2020

I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/07/2020

Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!

5 Stars Review 5
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12/04/2020

Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with.  He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/03/2020

The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/03/2020

My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…

5 Stars Review 5
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10/27/2020

The best

5 Stars Review 5
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01/21/2020

I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…

5 Stars Review 5
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06/05/2019

I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…

5 Stars Review 5
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05/01/2015

“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…

5 Stars Review 5
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05/01/2015

“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…

5 Stars Review 5
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Average 5 out of 5 rating based on 43 Reviews