1. Can I sue NYCHA for my injuries?

Yes, you can sue NYCHA if your injuries were caused by their negligence. This includes failure to maintain safe conditions in the building or property, such as broken staircases, leaking ceilings, or inadequate lighting.

To win a lawsuit, you must prove that NYCHA had a duty to maintain safe conditions, they breached that duty, and that breach directly led to your injuries. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer experienced in NYCHA cases is important for evaluating your claim.

2. What kind of evidence do I need to prove my case?

To prove a case against NYCHA, you’ll need strong evidence that shows negligence. This can include photographs of the accident scene, maintenance records, incident reports, and witness statements.

Medical records documenting your injuries and their relation to the accident are also essential. Additionally, if there were previous complaints about the hazardous condition that led to your injury, that documentation can help establish a pattern of negligence. An experienced attorney can help gather and preserve this evidence for your case.

3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit against NYCHA?

In most cases, you have 90 days from the date of the accident to file a Notice of Claim against NYCHA. This is a requirement before you can file a lawsuit.

After filing the Notice of Claim, you generally have one year and 90 days from the accident date to file the actual lawsuit. Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering any compensation, so it's crucial to act quickly and consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

4. What types of compensation can I receive for my injuries?

If your lawsuit against NYCHA is successful, you can receive compensation for various damages. This can include medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

If the injury affects your ability to work long-term, you may also be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings. Additionally, if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability, you may be eligible for compensation for loss of quality of life or disability-related expenses.

5. Will NYCHA try to deny responsibility for my accident?

Yes, NYCHA may try to deny responsibility by arguing that they were unaware of the hazardous condition or that they had no reasonable opportunity to fix it before the accident occurred.

They may also argue that your own actions contributed to the accident. This is why having strong evidence and legal representation is crucial to counter these defenses. An experienced attorney will help gather evidence to prove that NYCHA had notice of the dangerous condition and failed to take appropriate action.