Municipal Liability

SERVICES

When government agencies, cities, or public employees act negligently, victims have the right to pursue compensation, but the process is different from a typical personal injury case. Municipal liability claims involve strict filing deadlines, special procedures, and unique legal defenses that protect government entities from ordinary lawsuits. These cases usually arise from accidents involving city vehicles, defective roadways, public schools, police misconduct, or unsafe municipal property. Successful recovery requires the timely filing of a Notice of Claim and adherence to statutory procedures under the General Municipal Law.

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    MOTOR VEHICLE & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS
    Collisions involving city-owned vehicles, buses, or sanitation trucks often result in serious injuries. Municipal entities are held to specific safety standards, and failure to follow them can create liability.

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    TRIP, SLIP & FALL ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
    Falls on public sidewalks, streets, or government-owned buildings are among the most common municipal claims. However, liability depends on proving that the city or municipality had prior notice of the defect or created the hazardous condition.

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    POLICE MISCONDUCT & CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
    Municipal liability also covers constitutional and civil rights violations committed by police or other public officials. Victims may bring claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for excessive force, false arrest, or unlawful detention.
    These cases require skillful handling to balance complex constitutional standards with state law procedural requirements.

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    SCHOOL & PUBLIC INSTITUTION NEGLIGENCE
    Municipalities are also responsible for the safety of students, employees, and visitors on public school or institutional property. Claims may arise from negligent supervision, unsafe facilities, or assaults caused by inadequate security.

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    DEFECTIVE ROADWAYS, TRAFFIC SIGNALS & INFRASTRUCTURE
    Municipalities are obligated to maintain safe roads, signals, and public infrastructure. When negligence in maintenance or design leads to accidents, the city or agency may be held accountable.