Where to File Your Personal Injury Case in Monroe County

A Guide to Rochester, NY Courthouses

If you’re thinking about filing a personal injury case in Monroe County, NY, it helps to understand how the court system works. Not every case goes to the same building or follows the same path. Depending on the type of accident, how much money is involved, and where it happened, your case might land in a city court, a town court, or even federal court. The goal of this guide is simple: help you figure out where your case belongs.

The Structure of Monroe County’s Court System

Understanding where to go starts with understanding how New York's courts are organized. In Monroe County, courts fall under a few main categories:

• New York State Supreme Court (7th Judicial District): This is the trial-level court for major civil lawsuits, including most personal injury claims over $25,000.
• Monroe County Court: While primarily handling criminal matters, it sometimes processes civil overflow.
• City, Town, and Village Courts: These smaller courts handle localized matters, often involving claims under certain dollar thresholds.

Here’s one twist: In New York, the "Supreme Court" is not the highest court. It’s the main trial court for civil cases. So when you're dealing with serious injuries or high damages, you're probably heading to the New York Supreme Court in Rochester.

New York State Supreme Court — Monroe County

For most personal injury lawsuits in Monroe County, this is the place. Located inside the Hall of Justice at 99 Exchange Blvd, Rochester, NY 14614, this court oversees cases where damages exceed $25,000. Whether it’s a multi-car crash on I-490, a slip-and-fall at The Mall at Greece Ridge, or a surgical error, your case will likely be heard here. If you hire an accident attorney near Rochester he’ll be well aware of this court house. 

Supreme Court trials can involve:

• Jury selection
• Pretrial motions
• Full discovery
• Settlement conferences

The court provides the structure needed for complex litigation. It has the resources to manage lengthy proceedings, medical expert testimony, and disputes over liability.

Monroe County Clerk’s Office and Civil Filing Division

Also located in the Hall of Justice, the Monroe County Clerk’s Office is where all civil paperwork starts. Every lawsuit begins here, from auto accident complaints to workplace injury filings. Their Civil Filing Division takes care of:

• Indexing personal injury complaints
• Managing motions and orders
• Keeping records of settlements
• Maintaining digital case files through NYSCEF (New York State Courts Electronic Filing System)

Attorneys can file electronically, but self-represented individuals can also file in person at the counter. The Clerk’s team plays a quiet but essential role in keeping the process moving.

Rochester City Court — Civil Division

Smaller injury cases—those asking for $15,000 or less—may be heard in Rochester City Court, which is also inside the Hall of Justice. While the upper floors handle Supreme Court matters, the City Court operates on the lower levels.

This court is built for speed. It's ideal if you've got a straightforward claim:

• Fender benders near the Public Market
• Minor trip hazards in apartment complexes
• Dog bites or burns that didn’t require hospitalization

There’s no lengthy discovery process here. Cases move quicker, often with less cost. Many people choose this venue when their injuries are real but limited in scope.

Town and Village Courts in Monroe County

Outside Rochester, each town in Monroe County has its own Justice Court. That includes Greece, Irondequoit, Henrietta, Pittsford, Webster, and others. These courts mostly hear small claims up to $3,000, making them suitable for very minor injury cases.

Local courts offer:

• Easier scheduling for short hearings
• Familiarity with community dynamics
• Convenient locations for residents

However, they aren’t meant for major lawsuits. A parking lot slip in Webster might go here, but a head injury with ongoing medical treatment likely wouldn’t. It’s about scale, both in damages and in court capability.

Federal Court (U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York)

Federal court isn’t the default choice for injury cases, but it becomes necessary in specific situations. Located at 100 State Street, Rochester, NY, this courthouse serves the Western District of New York.

You might end up here if:

• You’re suing a defendant from another state and seeking more than $75,000 ("diversity jurisdiction")
• You have a case involving a federal agency (e.g., Veterans Administration or U.S. Postal Service)
• Your injury involves a federal statute or property

Federal court can be more formal and time-consuming. But sometimes it’s the best—or only—option.

Specialized Divisions and Programs

Monroe County has more than just standard courtrooms. Over time, the system has added specialized programs to better manage complex cases:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Mediation and arbitration programs allow some personal injury cases to settle out of court.
• Medical Malpractice Parts: Certain justices oversee cases involving hospitals, surgical errors, or missed diagnoses.
• Commercial Divisions: If your injury case intersects with a business contract or employer policy, it might end up here.
• Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court: In cases where injury stems from domestic violence, this court may consolidate related matters.

These divisions are designed to match each case with the resources it needs.

Accessing Case Information and Court Records

Want to know where your case stands? You’ve got options:

• Online: Use the NYSCEF portal or WebCivil Supreme to search for motions, court dates, or decisions
• In person: Visit the Hall of Justice Clerk’s counter to pull physical files or request certified copies

Whether you're an attorney or handling things yourself, you can track filings and court activity. Having access keeps you informed and prevents unnecessary surprises.

Filing Procedures and Timelines

Deadlines in personal injury cases matter a lot. Missing one can delay your case or get it dismissed. Here's a basic rundown:

• Notice of Claim: If you're suing a public entity (like RTS or the City of Rochester), you must file a notice within 90 days of the injury
• Summons and Complaint: This officially starts your lawsuit. You can file online or in person through the Clerk's Office
• Service of Process: You have 120 days to serve the defendant once you file
• Preliminary Conference: Usually scheduled within a few months to set timelines for discovery and motions

Every step builds on the last, so filing properly and on time can shape the success of your case.

Jury Trials and Settlements

Most personal injury cases settle. But if yours doesn’t, you’ll face trial preparation and possibly a jury in the Supreme Court.

• Jury selection typically happens on the 6th through 9th floors of the Hall of Justice
• Settlement conferences are often scheduled beforehand to see if an agreement can be reached
• Mediation may be offered as an alternative

Trials can be unpredictable. Some resolve after the jury is picked, while others go all the way to verdict. Each case follows its own path.

Why Jurisdiction Matters

Filing in the wrong court wastes time and money. Worse, it can stall or even sink your case. Jurisdiction affects:

• How fast your case moves
• What kind of remedies are available
• Whether the court has authority to hear your case at all

Choosing the right venue also affects how local laws are interpreted. Attorneys who practice regularly in Monroe County know the habits of local judges and the flow of the system. That insight makes a difference.

Start with the Right Courthouse, End with the Right Result

The Monroe County court system gives injury victims access to every level of justice—from quick hearings in town courts to full jury trials at the Hall of Justice. But where you start matters. A misplaced filing or missed deadline can derail a case before it begins. That’s why experienced legal guidance matters.