New York Slip and Fall Cases: Staten Island, NY

Staten Island, New York, the most suburban of the five boroughs of New York City, is in the southwestern portion of the city. Staten Island is completely surrounded by water and is only accessible by bridge or ferry. Staten Island, NY is separated from New York City by the New York Bay. Residents of Staten Island, NY cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn or use the Staten Island Ferry, which connects Staten Island to Manhattan. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates bus service and a rapid transit line into New York City.

Staten Island, New York is separated from New Jersey by the Arthur Kill, also known as the Staten Island Sound and the Kill Van Kull, and is accessible via the Goethals Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing, and Bayonne Bridge. Other islands under Staten Island jurisdiction include Hoffman Island, Meadow Island, Prall's Island, Shooters Island and Swinburne Island. Comprised of 60.9 square miles, Staten Island boasts 57 miles of waterfront and is home to an estimated 483,046 (2008 US Census).

Two hospitals are located in Staten Island, New York: the Richmond University Medical Center and the Staten Island University Hospital. Richmond University Medical Center, in West New Brighton, occupies the buildings that were formerly St. Vincent's Medical Center. Staten Island University Hospital is a 714-bed, specialized teaching hospital, home of the renowned Heart Institute of Staten Island.

Staten Island, New York is governed by the New York City Charter; the city provides public education, correctional institutions, libraries, public safety, recreational facilities, sanitation, water and welfare services on Staten Island. Staten Island has a Borough President who acts as an advocate for the borough at the City Council and the New York state government levels.

Each of New York City's five boroughs has its own criminal court system and District Attorney. The Civil Court of the City of New York decides lawsuits involving claims of up to $25,000. County Supreme Courts handle personal injury claims with damages above $25,000. The Civil Court includes a small claims division for the informal resolution of cases involving amounts of up to $5,000. In Staten Island, the Richmond County Criminal Court Building is located at 67 Targee Street, and the Richmond County Civil Court is held at 927 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island, NY.

The New York State Unified Court System is divided geographically into four judicial departments and 12 judicial districts. Staten Island is located in the 2nd Judicial Department, 2nd Judicial District.

Staten Island, NY EMS