Phone: (516) 487-8207
New York City Comptroller John Liu has released a report detailing damages the city paid last year to settle claims against the various municipal organizations. The report revealed that the Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) did not pay the most in liability costs for the first time since such costs were assessed three decades ago. Instead, the NYPD took the lead with $135.8 million of fees in damages for fiscal year 2010.
These figures come at a time when the city is looking to cut costs to weather major cuts in federal and state aid.
NYPD tort awards had risen alarmingly over the past decade. In 2003, its total cost was $68 million. A majority of its payments last year came from, "alleged improper police conduct such as false arrest, excessive force or assault."
The size of New York City HHC has contributed to its historically massive tort bill. However, HHC paid $5 million less last year than did the NYPD. The agency hit a high of $195.4 million in 2003 payments. Comptroller Liu believes their recent success is due to careful assessments of medical risks and failed litigation tactics.
Liu believes the NYPD should follow the HHC's lead. However, their efforts have thus far been less scientific. Instead of figuring out ways to mitigate injuries as the health professionals have done, the police have focused on pushing for settlements out of court to lower the cost of claims. Legal scholars, lawyers close to the issues, and other officials agree that a greater focus must be directed at police behavior.
If you would like more information about how medical malpractice and accident cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational website. If you have legal questions, pick up the phone and call me at 516-487-8207 or by e-mail at lawmed10@yahoo.com to answer your questions. That's what I do every day. I welcome your call.
