NYC Comptroller’s Claims Dashboard Reveals Nearly $2 Billion in Settlements — What This Means for Personal Injury Victims

From the perspective of our New York personal injury attorneys

New York City taxpayers paid nearly $2 billion in settlements during fiscal year 2024 — a staggering new record that underscores both the scope of city government liability and the urgent need for systemic accountability. The newly launched Claims Dashboard by Comptroller Brad Lander replaces the former annual reports with a real-time, interactive tool that details exactly how taxpayer dollars are spent on claims and lawsuits against the City. As New York personal injury attorneys, this development provides both transparency and critical insight into how government negligence continues to affect our clients — and where change is desperately needed.

Personal Injury and Civil Rights Claims Dominate City Payouts

In FY 2024, over $1.04 billion was paid out in personal injury and property damage claims alone, a category known as “tort claims.” Among the most striking statistics:

• NYPD-related claims soared to 9,036, up nearly 31% from the previous year, with payouts totaling $309.51 million.
• Department of Correction (DOC) settlements reached $252.87 million, with one single case, stemming from the City’s failure to release a pretrial detainee, resulting in a record-setting $171.52 million payout.
• Auto accident claims also increased, with 2,040 claims filed. Though total settlements fell to $125.68 million, the sheer volume points to continued risk on city streets.
• Department of Education (DOE) claims included 52 settlements over $1 million, more than doubling from the previous year.

These figures are not just data points. They represent real individuals — New Yorkers who were injured, wrongfully detained, or otherwise harmed by the actions or negligence of city employees and agencies. As personal injury attorneys, we have long advocated for greater transparency and accountability, especially when victims suffer due to systemic failures.

A Tool for the Public — and a Call to Action for Agencies

The Comptroller’s Claims Dashboard is a significant step toward data-driven accountability. With real-time visibility into which agencies are responsible for the largest payouts, the City now has the tools to identify patterns of misconduct or negligence and proactively reduce harm.

Yet, as Comptroller Lander rightly points out, city agencies currently face no direct financial consequences for their actions. The centralized budgeting of claims through the General Fund means departments have little incentive to improve safety protocols or prevent future injuries. Lander’s renewed call to make agencies financially responsible for their own settlements could be the pressure point needed to drive real change.

Why This Matters for Injury Victims

For those harmed by city employees, this data reinforces a simple truth: claims against the City are valid and winnable. Whether it’s an excessive force claim against the NYPD, a pedestrian struck by a city-operated vehicle, or a failure by the DOE to ensure school safety, victims have legal recourse — and the City often chooses to settle, particularly in strong cases.

Moreover, the dashboard shows that many claims are resolved before formal litigation, saving time and expense for claimants. However, reaching these outcomes typically requires legal representation from experienced trial attorneys who understand how to navigate the complex process of filing and settling claims against municipal entities.

Conclusion

The $1.94 billion in payouts is not just a fiscal concern — it’s a human one. Behind every settlement is a story of harm, and for each case resolved, countless others go unreported or unresolved. As attorneys, we welcome this new level of transparency and echo Comptroller Lander’s call for stronger accountability. New Yorkers deserve a city that prioritizes safety, justice, and fiscal responsibility — and we remain committed to helping victims achieve all three.

If you or a loved one was injured due to the negligence of a city agency, speak to a skilled New York personal injury attorney to understand your rights and options. Call 212-943-1090 for a free consultation.