Things You'll Need:
- Records regarding the claim and damages
- Paper
- Computer
- Printer
- Telephone
-
Step 1
Gather all facts regarding the claim. These facts include the date, time and location of the incident, the name, address and telephone number of all individuals involved in the matter and any other pertinent facts. Be sure to obtain any documentary evidence supporting the claim such as photographs, maps, correspondence, statements, medical records and any other documentation.
-
Step 2
Next, visit a legal stationery store or check with an internet legal forms supplier for a "notice of claim" form for filing a claim against the City of New York. Be sure to obtain the instructions that accompany the particular form. Complete the form as specified. Make sure you sign the form in the presence of a notary public, who will notarize your signature.
-
Step 3
File the notice of claim form within 90 days from the date of the incident which gave rise to the claim. Failure to do so will usually result in the automatic dismissal of your claim. Make sure to follow all directions for serving the document upon the proper entity, which will accept service of process on behalf of the City of New York; this will be listed on the notice form itself. Failure to serve the papers properly will result in the dismissal of your claim.
-
Step 4
Certain types of claims require that the City of New York had received prior written notice for the city to be subject to liability. For instance, if your claim arises out of a pothole located in a city street that has caused property damage to your vehicle, the city must have had prior written notice of that pothole for your claim to be considered. Consequently, before filing your claim, you may want to check with the city to see if any notice of claim has been filed since this is a prerequisite to the viability of your claim.
