Skip to content
All posts

What are the requirements for filing a lawsuit in New York?

To file a lawsuit in New York, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Jurisdiction: The court must have jurisdiction over the subject matter of the claim and the parties involved. In New York, jurisdiction is typically established by the location of the defendant or the place where the incident occurred.
  2. Standing: The plaintiff must have legal standing to sue, meaning they must have a direct and specific interest in the outcome of the lawsuit. For example, if someone slips and falls on a sidewalk, they have standing to sue the property owner for negligence because they were directly injured by the owner's actions or lack of actions.
  3. Time limits: The lawsuit must be filed within the applicable statute of limitations. In New York, the statute of limitations varies depending on the type of claim being made. For example, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within three years of the date of injury, while breach of contract lawsuits must be filed within six years of the breach.
  4. Claims: The lawsuit must state a valid legal claim, such as breach of contract, negligence, or defamation, among others. Additionally, the complaint must allege sufficient facts to support the claim.
  5. Service of process: The plaintiff must properly serve the defendant with notice of the lawsuit. This typically involves delivering a copy of the complaint to the defendant in person or by mail.

It is important to note that there may be exceptions or limitations to the above requirements depending on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, certain claims may have additional procedural requirements, such as submitting a notice of claim before filing a lawsuit against a government entity. If you are considering filing a lawsuit in New York, it is recommended to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements and to maximize the chances of success in the case.