If you’re planning to file a claim against a New York municipality — including New York City — you’ll likely need to attend a 50-H hearing first. Here’s what it is and why having a qualified interpreter matters.
What Is a 50-H Hearing?
A 50-H hearing (named for Section 50-H of New York’s General Municipal Law) is a sworn examination that a claimant must generally complete before filing a lawsuit against a New York municipality, such as in many personal injury cases involving city property, sidewalks, or municipal vehicles. An attorney representing the municipality asks the claimant questions under oath about the incident, injuries, and damages.
Who Needs to Attend a 50-H Hearing?
Typically, the claimant themselves must appear and answer questions under oath. If the claimant is not fluent in English, an interpreter is essential to ensure their testimony is accurately understood and recorded.
Why Interpreters Matter at 50-H Hearings
Because 50-H hearing testimony can affect whether and how a claim proceeds, accuracy matters. A qualified interpreter renders questions and answers completely and neutrally, without paraphrasing or omitting details, so the record reflects exactly what was asked and said.
Related: 50-H Hearing Interpreter in NYC.
How to Book an Interpreter for a 50-H Hearing
We’ve provided interpreters for 50-H hearings and other legal proceedings for attorneys and law firms primarily in NYC, with coverage in Long Island as well, for over 20 years, and we’re a proud member of NAJIT. Call as early as possible once you have a hearing date — call (718) 496-9129 or email inquiries@interpret.agency, available 7am–7pm, 7 days a week.