Statute of limitations The legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In New York, personal injury claims against private parties generally must be filed within three years, while claims against the City follow much shorter timelines.
For a fall on a sidewalk abutting a commercial or multi-family property in NYC, the injured person typically has three years to sue the private owner. When the City is the defendant, a Notice of Claim is due within 90 days and the lawsuit itself generally must start within one year and 90 days. These different clocks explain why identifying the correct responsible party early is critical in sidewalk cases. For owners, the practical meaning is that liability exposure from an unrepaired defect can surface years after the injury date, long after memories and evidence have faded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Statute of limitations
How long is the statute of limitations for a NYC sidewalk injury?
Generally three years to sue a private abutting owner. When the City is the defendant, a Notice of Claim is due within 90 days and the lawsuit generally must begin within one year and 90 days.
Why do the deadlines differ so much?
Claims against public entities follow the shorter municipal timetable in the General Municipal Law, while claims against private parties follow the standard personal injury period.
What does this mean for a property owner?
Exposure from an unrepaired defect can surface years after the fall, long after photos, witnesses and contractor records would normally be discarded.
Should owners keep repair records?
Yes. Dated invoices, permits and before-and-after photos are the strongest evidence available if a claim arrives years later.