What is the difference between municipal liability and premises liability?

Premises liability cases apply to private businesses and private property. Municipal liability addresses similar cases, but with government and public property. The legal procedures and precedents are very different in both cases. Usually, municipal liability cases have stricter regulations

What kind of properties would be involved in municipal liability personal injury cases?

Common sources for municipal liability lawsuits for personal injury include:

• Auto accidents involving government-owned vehicles (police cars, ambulances, buses, etc.)
• Subway or other public transportation-related injuries
• Injuries in schools or libraries
• Public swimming pool injuries
• Slips, trips, and falls in public sidewalks, parks
• Injuries/assaults on government property

What do I have to do first in a municipal liability lawsuit?

While liability lawsuits in private property allow for up to three years to file a claim, claims for municipal liability violations must be placed within 90 days of the incident. Additionally, the deadline for formal start date for the lawsuit is generally within 1-2 years of the incident date, depending on the municipal body.

What are the time frames for individual municipalities in the Bronx?

The following table provides a rough summary of the timelines for a variety of municipal bodies that operate in the Bronx:

Municipal Agency	Deadline to File a Claim	Deadline to Start a Lawsuit
City of New York	90 Days	1 Year, 90 Days
New York City Housing Authority	90 Days	1 Year, 120 Days
New York City Health and Hospitals	90 Days	1 Year, 120 Days
MTA	90 Days	1 Year, 90 Days
Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority	90 Days	1 Year, 30 Days

What can I receive damages for in a municipal liability case?

• Medical bills
• Time off work
• Disability, temporary or permanent
• Pain and suffering, physical and psychological

Are there any exceptions?

If a municipal liability case results in a wrongful death, the standard practices change drastically in a municipal liability lawsuit.

Because of the intensive nature of a municipal liabilities lawsuit, it is recommended you consult a lawyer sooner rather than later.