When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation—but what happens when the responsible party is the city or a government agency? Whether it’s a slip and fall on a poorly maintained sidewalk, a subway accident, or a crash involving a metro transit bus, municipal liability plays a major role in personal injury claims.
In this blog, we’ll break down what municipal liability means, how it affects your case, and the steps you need to take if you’ve been injured due to government negligence.
📺 Watch our video featuring Justin Blitz as he explains everything you need to know about municipal liability:
Understanding Municipal Liability in Personal Injury Cases: What You Need to Know
What is Municipal Liability?
Municipal liability refers to the legal responsibility of government entities—such as cities, transportation agencies, or public works departments—for accidents that occur due to unsafe public conditions. This could include:
• Public Transit Accidents – If you’re injured on a subway, metro bus, or train due to operator negligence, sudden stops, or malfunctioning equipment.
• Sidewalk and Roadway Hazards – Potholes, uneven sidewalks, and poorly marked pedestrian crossings can lead to serious injuries.
• Unsafe Public Buildings – A slip-and-fall in a government building due to wet floors or poor maintenance.
Unlike typical personal injury cases, suing a government agency comes with unique challenges, including strict deadlines and procedural hurdles.
Key Challenges in Municipal Liability Cases
If you’re considering a claim against a city or government entity, here’s what you need to know:
1. Shorter Deadlines for Filing Claims
In most personal injury cases, you have three years to file a lawsuit in New York. However, when suing a city, transit authority, or other government entity, you must:
• File a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the accident.
• File your lawsuit within one year and 90 days of the accident.
If you miss these deadlines, your case may be dismissed—so acting fast is critical.
2. Proving Government Negligence
To win a municipal liability case, you must prove that:
✅ The city or transit agency knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
✅ They failed to take reasonable steps to fix it.
✅ This negligence directly caused your injury.
For example, if a subway station had a broken handrail that the city knew about but failed to repair, and you fell as a result, you may have a strong case.
3. Government Protections and Defenses
Cities often claim “sovereign immunity,” a legal protection that can limit liability. However, exceptions exist—especially when negligence is clear. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate these defenses and fight for your right to compensation.
What to Do If You’re Injured Due to Government Negligence
If you’ve been hurt in a public transit accident, a slip and fall on city property, or any other situation involving municipal liability, take these steps immediately:
1️⃣ Document the Scene – Take photos/videos of the hazard, your injuries, and any warning signs (or lack thereof).
2️⃣ Get Medical Attention – Seek medical care right away and keep all records.
3️⃣ Report the Incident – File a complaint with the transit authority, city agency, or property manager.
4️⃣ Consult an Attorney ASAP – Due to the strict deadlines, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Blitz Law Group is Here to Help
Navigating a claim against a city or government agency is complex—but we have the experience and resources to fight for you. With millions recovered for injury victims, our team knows how to take on the toughest cases and win.
📞 Need help with a municipal liability case? Call us today (212) 871-1300 for a free consultation!
🔗 Visit us: BlitzLawGroup.com
📺 Watch our full video above for more insights from Justin Blitz!
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"Understanding Municipal Liability in Personal Injury Cases: What You Need to Know"
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