Established in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey was created to establish the government’s role in managing the freight rail operations in the two states. As time passed and the bulk of public transportation moved from the railroads to the streets, the focus of the Port Authority also shifted to other modes of transport.
Today, this bi-state agency — a joint venture between the states of New York and New Jersey — is the recognized operator, administrator, and coordinator of all real estate properties and transportation and shipping facilities standing within the port district. These facilities and infrastructure include five major airports (including JKF and LaGuardia), four seaports, bridges and tunnels within and between the two states, bus stations, rail transit, and real estate properties (including One World Trade Center).
All in all, the Port Authority covers 1,500 square miles, spanning a 25-mile radius from the Statue of Liberty. With its massive geographic area and the multitude of activities and transport and logistics operations that takes place within, it’s not surprising that lawsuits emerge against the Port Authority.
Nature of Cases Filed Against the Port Authority
One thing that modern governance has preserved from Medieval times is the doctrine of sovereign immunity. In older times, it means the people have no right to sue the king. The meaning remains today, only the public cannot sue the government unless allowed by the government.
In 1951, an amendment in the bi-state compact that created the Port Authority stated that New York and New Jersey consent to liability for lawsuits due to “tortious acts” by its agents. It supposedly allows people to seek compensation from the Port Authority as they would a private corporation that’s responsible for personal injuries and other unlawful acts. Even though the effectiveness of the amendment is now clouded with politics, the public can still file cases against them.
Suits against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey must be addressed to 4 World Trade Center, 150 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007.
Legal Papers Served on the Port Authority
Following the benchmark case of Burke v. Port Authority of NY & NJ, in which a federal judge ruled that employees can press charges against the agency under the 1951 amendment on the New York-New Jersey Port Authority Compact, as well as the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD).
Another case that’s been tried in court was Tookes v. Port Authority of NY & NJ. The court ruled that the Port Authority’s negligence resulted in the plaintiff’s physical injury, and the latter received 100% of the damages his camp filed for (over $1.4 million).
Similar cases may hold water in NY and NJ courts today; and to the plaintiffs and attorneys who are planning to pursue such cases, our experienced process servers are ready to help.
Serve Index LLC has been involved in the filing of several cases against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for years now. Our licensed process servers have experience serving the Port Authority for cases like personal injury, premises liability, and labor disputes. We’ve also served writs, subpoenas, summons and complaints, petitions, and court orders to other government entities in New York and Long Island.
Lawsuits against the Port Authority have a one-year statute of limitations. Moreover, plaintiffs should file claims from the agency at least 60 days before filing their complaint. Serve Index LLC can help law practices meet these time requirements.
We serve legal documents efficiently, and without hesitation or fear. Contact us to inquire about our service of process.