New York Autonomous Technology Attorneys

New York: The Epicenter of Autonomous Technology Litigation

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New York City isn’t just the nation’s largest city—it’s the proving ground for autonomous technology in the most challenging environment imaginable. With 8 million residents, millions more commuters, and some of the most complex pedestrian, vehicle, and building environments anywhere, NYC generates more autonomous technology litigation than any other American city.

From delivery robots navigating Manhattan sidewalks to AI systems managing the world’s largest hospital networks, New York’s autonomous technology cases shape national legal standards.

Why New York Leads in Autonomous Technology Cases

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Density and Complexity

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No city presents more challenging environments for autonomous systems:

• 8.3 million residents in 302 square miles
• Millions of daily pedestrians sharing space with robots and vehicles
• 24/7 operations across every industry
• Extreme weather variability affecting sensors and performance
• Infrastructure age creating unpredictable conditions

When autonomous systems designed for simpler environments encounter New York, failures multiply.

Healthcare AI Concentration

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New York hosts some of the nation’s most advanced healthcare AI:

• NYU Langone — Pioneering AI diagnostic and treatment systems
• Mount Sinai — Machine learning for patient care
• NewYork-Presbyterian — Robotic surgery and AI decision support
• Memorial Sloan Kettering — AI oncology applications
• Hospital for Special Surgery — Orthopedic robotics

Healthcare AI errors in these institutions generate high-stakes litigation with national implications.

Financial and Professional Services AI

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Wall Street’s embrace of AI creates unique liability:

• Algorithmic trading errors affecting employment and operations
• AI-powered hiring and discrimination claims
• Automated decision-making in financial services
• Professional liability from AI-assisted advice

Dense Deployment Environments

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New York’s density means more human-robot interaction:

• Delivery robots on crowded sidewalks
• Building automation in thousands of high-rises
• Retail and hospitality robotics in tight spaces
• Industrial automation in constrained facilities

New York Legal Framework

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Pure Comparative Fault

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New York follows pure comparative fault:

• You can recover damages regardless of your percentage of fault
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• Even if you’re 99% at fault, you recover 1% of damages
• This is more favorable to plaintiffs than many states

Implication: New York law allows recovery even when victims made mistakes that contributed to their injuries—important in complex human-machine interactions.

Product Liability in New York

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New York provides robust product liability protections:

Strict Liability: Manufacturers are strictly liable for defective products without need to prove negligence:

• Manufacturing defects
• Design defects (risk-utility test)
• Failure to warn

Negligence: Alternative theory requiring proof of unreasonable conduct.

Breach of Warranty:

• Express warranty (promises made)
• Implied warranty of merchantability
• Implied warranty of fitness for particular purpose

Key Doctrine — Codling v. Paglia: New York’s landmark case establishing that innocent bystanders harmed by defective products can recover on strict liability theory.

Statute of Limitations

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No Damage Caps

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Unlike many states, New York has no caps on compensatory damages:

• No limit on pain and suffering
• No limit on non-economic damages
• Full compensation for actual losses

Punitive Damages: Available in New York for egregious conduct, though subject to judicial review for excessiveness.

NYC Local Regulations

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New York City has additional regulations affecting autonomous technology:

• Automated Decision Systems Task Force — Oversight of AI in city government
• Biometric Information Privacy — Local Law 3 restrictions
• Building Automation Requirements — Local codes for smart building systems
• Delivery Robot Pilots — Permit requirements for sidewalk robots

Common Case Types in New York

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Healthcare AI Errors

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New York’s healthcare concentration generates significant AI liability:

Delivery Robot Pedestrian Injuries

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NYC sidewalks create high-conflict environments:

• Manhattan — Dense pedestrian traffic, tourists, obstacles
• Brooklyn — Mixed residential/commercial, varied sidewalk conditions
• Queens — Diverse populations, language barriers for warnings
• The Bronx — Infrastructure challenges, uneven surfaces

Building Automation Failures

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New York’s building stock creates unique risks:

• Smart elevator malfunctions in high-rises
• HVAC automation failures in older buildings
• Security system failures and false alarms
• Fire safety system AI errors
• Accessibility automation failures

Financial Services AI

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Wall Street-adjacent claims include:

• Employment decisions made by AI (discrimination claims)
• Customer-facing AI errors affecting individuals
• Professional malpractice involving AI tools
• Data breach and privacy claims

New York Court System

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New York State Courts

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Most autonomous technology cases are filed in state court:

Supreme Court (Trial Level):

• Despite the name, this is the general trial court
• Different parts/divisions for different case types
• Commercial Division handles complex commercial disputes
• Venue typically where injury occurred or defendant is located

Appellate Division:

• Four departments covering different regions
• First Department (Manhattan, Bronx) — most experienced with complex commercial matters

Federal Courts

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Federal jurisdiction applies when:

• Diversity of citizenship with amount over $75,000
• Federal question
• Multi-district litigation

Southern District of New York (Manhattan):

• One of the nation’s most sophisticated federal courts
• Extensive experience with complex technology litigation
• Often sees consolidated MDL cases

Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn):

• Covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island
• Growing technology litigation docket

Manhattan vs. Other Boroughs

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Strategic considerations for venue:

Manhattan:

• Sophisticated judges and juries
• Commercial Division experience
• Potential for higher verdicts
• More expensive litigation

Outer Boroughs:

• More sympathetic juries for individual plaintiffs
• Less corporate-favorable
• May be appropriate for certain cases

New York Attorney Network

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Our network includes New York attorneys with experience in:

Healthcare AI

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• Major hospital system litigation
• Surgical robot complications
• Diagnostic AI errors
• Clinical decision support failures

Urban Automation

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• Delivery robot pedestrian injuries
• Building automation failures
• Smart city infrastructure
• Public space robotics

Consumer Technology

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• Autonomous vehicle accidents
• Smart home injuries
• Domestic robot failures
• IoT security and privacy

Commercial and Financial

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• AI employment discrimination
• Algorithmic decision-making
• Professional liability
• Data breach and privacy

New York-Specific Evidence Considerations

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Building and Maintenance Records

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New York’s building regulations require extensive documentation:

• Building Department filings and inspections
• Certificate of Occupancy records
• Maintenance logs and contracts
• Fire safety system records
• Elevator inspection reports

NYC Open Data

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New York City maintains extensive public records:

• 311 complaints about robots and technology
• Building violation records
• Traffic camera footage requests
• Public incident reports

Healthcare-Specific Records

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New York has strong patient access rights:

• Complete medical record access
• Hospital incident reports (with attorney involvement)
• Quality improvement records (limited access)
• Informed consent documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

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Connect with New York Attorneys

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