NYC Comptroller's Office claim A claim filed with the New York City Comptroller, the office that receives Notices of Claim against the City, investigates them, and can settle them before a lawsuit is ever filed.
The Comptroller's Office is the City's front door for injury and property damage claims, including sidewalk falls where the City is responsible. After a Notice of Claim arrives, the office assigns it a claim number, may demand a 50-h hearing and medical records, and has authority to settle meritorious claims directly. Many smaller sidewalk claims resolve at this stage without litigation. Property owners encounter the office from the other direction too, for example when seeking reimbursement for certain City-related damage. Filing accurately and on time is essential, since defects in the claim can surface later in court.
Frequently Asked Questions About NYC Comptroller's Office claim
What does the NYC Comptroller's Office do with claims?
It receives Notices of Claim against the City, assigns a claim number, investigates, may demand a 50-h hearing and medical records, and has authority to settle before any lawsuit is filed.
When is a claim filed there for a sidewalk fall?
When the City is the responsible party, such as a sidewalk abutting an exempt owner-occupied small home or City-owned property. It must be filed within 90 days of the incident.
Can a claim be resolved without a lawsuit?
Yes. Many smaller sidewalk claims settle at the Comptroller stage without litigation.
Where can claims be filed?
Through the Comptroller's claims portal at https://comptroller.nyc.gov