Most of us feel safe when we pass through the brass-trimmed doors of a New York Public Library branch or the grand foyer of a city office. Unfortunately, a loose handrail, a hidden puddle, or a chipped tile can shatter that comfort in seconds, leaving you hurt, shaken, and unsure whether “you can’t sue City Hall” is still true. Fortunately, modern New York law says you can pursue compensation, yet the process works differently from an ordinary slip-and-fall. Understanding those differences, especially the tight deadlines, can be the key to recovering medical bills, lost wages, future therapy, and even compensation for the simple loss of enjoying your daily life. Read on and reach out to a seasoned Manhattan slip and fall lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn how we can help you sue for an injury sustained in a government building, such as a library.
Can I sue the city or state if I sustain an injury in a public library?
Yes. Limited sovereign immunity protects public entities from many claims, but statutes such as General Municipal Law § 50-e and the Court of Claims Act waive that protection when negligence causes injury. You must show that employees created a hazard or allowed one to persist after they knew, or should have known, about it. Maintenance logs, security video, and witness testimony often supply that proof. Because the burden is higher than in a case against a private landlord, collecting evidence quickly makes the difference between a strong claim and one that never gets off the ground.
What deadlines apply to claims against government entities?
Time moves faster when the defendant is the government. You have only ninety days from the accident to serve a written Notice of Claim that states exactly where, when, and how you were injured and describes every known harm. Service usually occurs at the Comptroller’s Office or, for state claims, the Attorney General. After that, the public agency may demand a pre-suit hearing and medical examination, both of which require prompt preparation. A formal lawsuit must follow within one year and ninety days of the accident, so delay can erase your rights entirely.
Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer quickly?
City lawyers routinely argue lack of notice, trivial defect, or comparative fault. A seasoned plaintiff’s attorney counters by preserving surveillance footage, subpoenaing work-order records, and retaining engineers who can translate building-code violations into language jurors understand. Early representation also shields you from adjusters who may seek a low offer before you grasp the full extent of your injuries or future therapy costs. In many cases, a lawyer’s prompt investigation uncovers past complaints showing the hazard existed for weeks, sometimes months, before your injury.
New York’s libraries and civic buildings are meant to welcome the public, not endanger it. If a government agency fails in that duty and you are injured, swift legal action keeps your claim alive and positions you for a fair recovery. Speak with an experienced New York City personal injury lawyer about your library injury as soon as you can.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a slip & fall lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.
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