Craig D. Rosenbaum | August 21, 2026 | Personal Injury
If you are injured in an accident on the Brooklyn Bridge and may have a claim against New York City, you could have only 90 days to serve a Notice of Claim. This deadline is set forth in New York General Municipal Law § 50-e and is much shorter than the time allowed in many ordinary personal injury lawsuits.
The rule matters because the New York City Department of Transportation owns, operates, and maintains the Brooklyn Bridge. Missing the notice deadline can put a claim against the City at risk. If you’ve been injured, contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.
Why Does the 90-Day Rule Apply to Some Brooklyn Bridge Accidents?
New York law generally requires a person bringing a tort claim against a municipality to serve a Notice of Claim within 90 days after the claim arises. This requirement gives the government an opportunity to investigate the incident while evidence is still available.
Because New York City is responsible for the Brooklyn Bridge, the rule may apply when an injury is allegedly caused by a condition for which the City could be legally responsible.
Not every accident will involve a claim against the City. A private driver, contractor, employer, or another party may instead be responsible, depending on how the accident happened.
What Is a Notice of Claim?
A Notice of Claim is a formal document that informs a government entity that someone intends to pursue a claim. It is not the same as filing a lawsuit.
The notice generally identifies the claimant and describes:
- The nature of the claim
- When the accident happened
- Where it occurred
- How it happened
- The injuries or damages involved
Providing enough detail is important. Errors involving the responsible government entity, location, or circumstances can create problems later.
What Types of Brooklyn Bridge Accidents Could Involve the City?
The Brooklyn Bridge carries vehicle traffic and has a pedestrian walkway, creating several possible sources of injury. A claim involving the City may arise when an accident is connected to the condition, design, operation, or maintenance of public property.
Examples could include accidents involving:
- Dangerous or damaged walking surfaces
- Defective roadway conditions
- Poorly maintained public areas
- Falling objects or debris
- Construction or maintenance activities
- Certain traffic-control conditions
Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers has more than 40 years of experience handling personal injury matters and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients. Those cases can require identifying multiple responsible parties and preserving evidence before it disappears.
What Happens if I Miss the 90-Day Deadline?
Missing the 90-day deadline does not always mean that a case is automatically over. New York law allows courts, in some circumstances, to permit a late Notice of Claim.
However, permission is not guaranteed. A court may consider several factors, including whether the City had actual knowledge of the essential facts, the reason for the delay, and whether the delay would substantially prejudice its ability to defend the case.
It is safer to investigate the claim before the initial deadline expires rather than depend on a court granting permission later.
Is the 90-Day Rule the Same as the Deadline To File a Lawsuit?
No. The Notice of Claim deadline and the deadline for filing a lawsuit are separate requirements.
For many personal injury claims against New York City, an action generally must be started within one year and 90 days after the event. A claimant also generally must wait at least 30 days after serving the Notice of Claim before beginning the lawsuit.
Other deadlines may apply depending on who caused the accident and the type of claim involved.
FAQ
Does the 90-Day Rule Apply to Every Brooklyn Bridge Accident?
No. It generally becomes important when a claim may be brought against New York City or another covered public entity. Claims against private parties may be subject to different rules.
When Does the 90-Day Period Start?
For most injury claims covered by the rule, the 90-day period begins when the claim arises, which is often the date of the accident.
Should I Keep Evidence After a Bridge Accident?
Yes. Save photographs, videos, witness information, medical records, and documents showing where and how the accident happened. Evidence involving public property can change or disappear quickly.
Contact the Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorneys at Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
An injury on the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, NY, can involve deadlines and liability rules that are different from those in an ordinary accident case. Identifying whether New York City or another party may be responsible is an important early step.
For more information, please contact Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We have three convenient locations around Manhattan, NY, near you in New York City, The Bronx, and Brooklyn.
Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor, New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b, Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Meier Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332
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