Big Apple Map A detailed street map of New York City marked with sidewalk and roadway defects, historically served on the City to establish the prior written notice needed to sue over those defects.
Big Apple Maps were produced borough by borough and filed with the City so that injury lawyers could point to a marked symbol as written notice of a defect under § 7-201(c)(2). Each symbol type represented a condition such as a raised flag, hole, or obstruction, and courts scrutinized whether the mark matched the accident location. Since the 2003 liability shift moved most sidewalk claims to private owners, the maps matter mainly in cases still brought against the City, such as those involving exempt small homes. They remain a fixture in older case law and ongoing municipal litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Big Apple Map
What is a Big Apple Map?
A detailed borough-by-borough street map marked with symbols for sidewalk and roadway defects, filed with the City so those markings could serve as prior written notice of the defects.
Why were these maps created?
To satisfy the Pothole Law's written notice requirement, giving injured pedestrians a documented source of notice the City could not easily deny.
Are Big Apple Maps still used?
Their role narrowed sharply after the 2003 liability shift. They matter mainly in cases still brought against the City, such as falls next to exempt small homes.
Does a map symbol automatically win a case?
No. Courts examine whether the symbol type and its placement actually correspond to the defect and location involved in the accident.