Your Guide to New York's Court System

Find out where to file your personal injury lawsuit

Getting started is half the battle. 

If you've suffered an injury in New York due to someone's negligence or wrongful act, finding the proper court to file your lawsuit will be your first step. 

With several potential venues for your case, this guide aims to demystify the New York court system so you can navigate your options clearly and confidently.

Understanding New York’s trial-level court system

At first glance, New York’s court structure may seem overwhelmingly complex. But many of these courts won’t be relevant to your specific claim. 

Let’s explore each level of the court system, examining the types of cases they handle and their unique characteristics to help you determine where your lawsuit should be filed.

Town and village courts

For minor disputes, town and village courts (often referred to as “justice courts”) are the first place to consider. These courts handle small claims where the amount in controversy is $3,000 or less. 

For instance, consider a scenario where you've slipped on a poorly maintained sidewalk outside a small local shop and incurred minor medical expenses totaling $2,500. This would be a suitable case for a town and village court, as it falls within the financial limits for small claims.

On the other hand, imagine you've suffered more severe injuries in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, and your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages amount to $25,000. This case would not be appropriate for a town and village court due to the higher claim amount and the complexity of the legal issues involved.

City courts

City courts operate in 61 cities across New York and handle civil cases involving claims up to $15,000. These courts are ideal for smaller personal injury claims where the damages do not exceed this limit. 

City courts also arraign defendants accused of felonies and handle misdemeanors and lesser criminal offenses, making them a hub of activity.

District courts

District courts, only located in Nassau County and the five western towns of Suffolk County, handle civil cases involving claims up to $15,000.

The New York City Civil Court

The New York City Civil Court has the ability to hear civil lawsuits involving claims for damages up to $50,000. The Court also has a different section for cases involving amounts up to $10,000. 

New York City Civil Court has locations in each of the five Boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.

Supreme Court of New York

The Supreme Court of New York is where most personal injury cases are heard. 

Contrary to what the name suggests, the Supreme Court of New York is not the state's highest court but rather its trial-level court for civil cases.

The Supreme Court has the authority to hear any civil case, providing comprehensive jurisdiction over personal injury matters regardless of the claim amount.

Surrogate’s courts

While primarily known for handling wills and estates, the Surrogate's courts also deal with cases related to wrongful death claims stemming from personal injury incidents. If your case involves the estate of a deceased victim, this court will likely be involved.

Court of Claims

The Court of Claims is a specialized venue for handling cases specifically against the State of New York or any of its agencies. This court does not hear cases against individuals or private entities. If your personal injury was the result of negligence by a state entity, you'll need to bring your claim here.

For example, consider a scenario where you slipped and fell due to an icy, untreated walkway at a state-run university. This would be an appropriate case for the Court of Claims because the injury occurred on state property and was due to the possible negligence of the state entity in maintaining the premises.

Another example could involve a state-owned vehicle. If you were injured in an accident caused by a state employee driving a government vehicle during their duties, the appropriate venue for your lawsuit would be the Court of Claims.

Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court

If your case is appealed, it will move up to one of the four Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court, categorized by region:

• First Department (Manhattan and Bronx), 
• Second Department (Brooklyn, Queens, and nearby counties), 
• Third Department (eastern upstate counties), and 
• Fourth Department (western upstate counties).

These courts review decisions from lower courts, ensuring the law was applied correctly.

The Court of Appeals

The Court of Appeals holds the position as the highest judicial authority in New York State and serves as the final arbiter in most legal cases. Located in Albany, the court is composed of a Chief Judge and six associate judges. These judges are appointed by the governor with the senate's approval for a term of 14 years. 

Your personal injury case might end up in the Court of Appeals if there are significant legal issues involved that could influence broader state law or if a decision made by a lower court is contested on substantial legal grounds. 

For instance, if your case involves a complex question of negligence or liability that could set a precedent, or if there was a potentially incorrect application of law by an appellate court, your case may be elevated to this highest court. 

Also, if your case touches on constitutional matters or introduces novel legal questions that have not been previously addressed, it could find its way to the Court of Appeals to ensure a definitive interpretation of the law that will guide future cases.

Choosing the right venue

Once you’ve determined the appropriate court system for your lawsuit, you’ll need to decide the proper venue.

The term “venue” refers to the geographic location of the court. In most personal injury lawsuits, you can file your lawsuit:

• In the county where the defendant lives (in the case of a business, the defendant “lives” where it was incorporated and where it does substantial business), or
• In the county where the accident occurred.

Let’s look at an example:

Navigating New York's court system can be daunting, but understanding where to file your personal injury lawsuit is crucial for a successful legal outcome. Each court has specific jurisdictions and capabilities, and choosing incorrectly can delay justice or even affect the outcome of your case.

Before you proceed, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney familiar with New York's legal landscape is advisable. They can guide you through the complexities of the system and help ensure your case is presented in the most appropriate venue.