Municipal Liability

Municipal liability refers to the legal responsibility of a local government entity, such as a city, town, village, or county, for harm or injury caused by its actions, inactions, or negligence. This can include responsibility for the conduct of municipal employees, the maintenance of public infrastructure, or the provision of public services. At Awad Baker Law, with offices conveniently located on Long Island at 626 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556, and in Manhattan at One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10165, we are dedicated to helping individuals across New York who have been harmed by municipal entities.

If you believe you have a potential municipal liability claim, the experienced attorneys at Awad Baker Law can help you understand your rights and navigate the often complex legal procedures involved. Municipalities have a broad scope of responsibility, including:

• Public infrastructure: Such as roads, bridges, sidewalks, and traffic signals.

• Public services: Including policing, firefighting, sanitation, and public education.

• Public property: Such as parks, government buildings, and recreational facilities.

• Employee actions: Including the conduct of police officers, public works employees, and other municipal staff.

Common Causes of Municipal Liability Claims We Handle at Awad Baker Law:

• Negligent Maintenance of Public Property: Injuries resulting from poorly maintained streets, cracked sidewalks, or unsafe conditions in public parks.

• Traffic Accidents: Harm caused by malfunctioning traffic lights, improperly designed roadways, or inadequate signage.

• Police Misconduct: Cases involving excessive force, wrongful arrests, false imprisonment, or other civil rights violations by law enforcement officers.

• Hazardous Conditions: Injuries caused by unsafe conditions on municipal property, such as icy sidewalks that are not properly treated or broken playground equipment.

• Building Code Violations: Property damage or injuries resulting from a municipality's failure to enforce building safety regulations.

• Flooding or Drainage Issues: Property damage caused by poorly maintained or negligently designed stormwater drainage systems.

Legal Theories of Municipal Liability That Awad Baker Law Can Help You Understand:

• Negligence: Demonstrating that the municipality failed to act with reasonable care in its duties, leading to your harm.

• Vicarious Liability: Holding the municipality responsible for the negligent actions of its employees acting within the scope of their employment.

• Civil Rights Violations (42 U.S.C. § 1983): Pursuing claims when a municipal employee, acting under color of law, violates your constitutional rights.

Examples of Municipal Liability Situations Where Awad Baker Law Can Assist:

• A pedestrian suffering injuries after tripping on a poorly maintained sidewalk.

• A driver involved in an accident due to a malfunctioning traffic light that the municipality failed to repair.

• A homeowner experiencing property damage due to inadequate stormwater drainage in their neighborhood.

• A citizen whose civil rights were violated by a municipal employee.

If you believe you have been harmed due to the negligence or wrongful actions of a municipal government in the surrounding New York areas, don't hesitate to seek legal guidance. Contact Awad Baker Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call us at (516) 716-4444 or visit our Long Island office at 626 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556, or our Manhattan office at One Grand Central Place, 60 East 42nd Street, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10165. Let our experienced attorneys help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.