New York City has sued Manhattan law firm Asher & Associates over alleged false injury claims.
The lawsuit names attorneys Ryan H. Asher and Roberta D. Asher. The city says the lawyers gave false accounts of how some clients got hurt.
The complaint points to at least 15 lawsuits.
Some claims blamed city roads or sidewalks for injuries. However, the city says medical records told a different story.
Those records allegedly linked some injuries to fights, crashes, and other events.
The case could affect personal injury lawyers and law firms. It also raises questions about how lawyers check injury claims before filing lawsuits.
Key Takeaways
- NYC sued Asher & Associates in federal court.
- The city points to at least 15 injury lawsuits.
- Some claims blamed city roads or sidewalks.
- The city says other records showed different causes.
- The lawsuit includes claims under RICO.
- NYC also seeks damages under state and city laws.
- The defendants have not been found liable.
- The court has not ruled on the city’s claims.
NYC Sues Manhattan Firm
New York City filed the case on October 4.
The case is in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The case is called
City of New York v. Ryan H. Asher, et al. Its case number is
1:26-cv-08753.
Ryan Asher, Roberta Asher, and Asher & Associates are named as defendants. The filing also names other defendants who have not yet been identified.
The city brings claims under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The law is commonly called RICO.
NYC also cites state and city false claims laws.
The lawsuit focuses on personal injury cases filed against New York City.
According to the complaint, some cases gave false accounts of how people suffered their injuries. The claims instead blamed damaged roads or sidewalks.
Complaint Cites 15 Injury Lawsuits
The complaint points to at least 15 lawsuits.
Reuters reported that the cases involved motorcycle, scooter, bicycle, and other injury claims.
The city says medical records did not always match the later claims.
For example, some people allegedly told doctors that fights or vehicle crashes caused their injuries.
Later, however, their lawsuits allegedly blamed road or sidewalk defects.
The city says these differences were not simple mistakes. Officials argue that the cases show a wider pattern.
Medical Records Play a Key Role
Medical records form a major part of the city’s case.
The complaint compares what people told doctors with what they later claimed in lawsuits.
In several cases, the city says the two accounts were different.
That issue could matter as the case moves forward.
Personal injury cases often depend on how an accident happened. They also depend on proof of the injury.
For that reason, early medical records can be important. They may show what a person said soon after an accident.
The city says some records conflict with later injury claims.
According to the complaint, some injuries came from fights, crashes, or hit-and-run incidents. Later claims allegedly blamed city property.
Firm Allegedly Dropped Cases
The city also says the firm dropped some cases after officials raised questions.
Reuters reported that the city said the firm abandoned cases after officials pointed out conflicts in the claims.
NYC may use those events to support its case.
However, the defendants can dispute the city’s account. They can also present their own evidence.
NYC Seeks RICO Damages
The use of RICO makes the case important.
Congress created RICO to fight organized crime. The law also allows some civil lawsuits.
A successful civil RICO claim can allow treble damages. In simple terms, qualifying damages can be tripled.
NYC seeks those damages in this case.
The city also seeks relief under state and city false claims laws.
Furthermore, NYC alleges that the firm’s actions led to millions of dollars in fees, settlements, and judgments.
Those claims remain unproven.
The court must decide whether the city can prove its RICO claims and other allegations.
Injury Cases Under Scrutiny
The lawsuit comes as personal injury cases face closer review.
Reuters reported that nearly 300 civil RICO lawsuits involving alleged injury fraud have been filed since 2024.
Many of those cases involve New York.
Businesses and insurers have used RICO claims to challenge suspected fraud.
As a result, personal injury firms face more pressure to check claims before filing.
Lawyers must make sure the facts support their claims.
They should also review records that could conflict with a client’s account.
Impact on Law Firms
The case offers several lessons for personal injury firms.
First, lawyers should compare client statements with medical records. They should also review accident reports and police reports.
Photos and other evidence can help as well.
Second, firms should keep records of their fact checks.
That record can show how lawyers reviewed a claim before filing it.
Government agencies can also conduct detailed reviews. Therefore, firms should expect defendants to examine injury claims closely.
Attorney Oversight Remains Important
The allegations also show why law firm oversight matters.
Firm leaders should set clear rules for reviewing new injury claims.
These checks can help lawyers spot problems before they file a case.
Attorneys should also address major conflicts early.
Ignoring a clear conflict can create bigger problems later.
Legal recruiters may also watch cases involving alleged attorney misconduct.
Such cases can affect a firm’s reputation and client relationships.
Defendants Not Found Liable
The claims against
Asher & Associates, Ryan Asher, and Roberta Asher remain allegations.
No court has found the defendants liable.
The defendants can answer the complaint and challenge the city’s evidence.
They can also present their own evidence and legal arguments.
Reuters reported that Ryan and Roberta Asher did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, the federal court will review the city’s claims.
The court will decide whether the claims meet the legal requirements for RICO and other laws.
Why the NYC Lawsuit Matters
The case raises an important issue for the legal industry.
What happens when a defendant believes an injury claim contains false information?
For personal injury lawyers, the answer starts with careful fact checking.
Attorneys should check important facts before filing a lawsuit.
For law firms, strong review systems can help find problems early.
The case also shows that RICO can play a role in alleged litigation fraud.
Most importantly, injury claims depend on accurate facts.
When the facts come into question, the entire case can face greater scrutiny.
FAQs
Why is NYC suing Asher & Associates?
New York City says Asher & Associates and two attorneys pursued false injury claims against the city.
The complaint points to at least 15 lawsuits.
What does the NYC lawsuit allege?
The city says some claims blamed damaged roads or sidewalks for injuries caused by other events.
Medical records allegedly support the city’s position.
What is RICO?
RICO stands for the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
The federal law targets certain patterns of unlawful conduct. It also allows some civil claims.
How many lawsuits does NYC identify?
The complaint identifies 15 lawsuits as examples of the alleged conduct.
The city may present more evidence as the case continues.
Have the allegations been proven?
No.
A court has not found the law firm or the attorneys liable.
The defendants can challenge the city’s claims.
Why does the case matter to personal injury lawyers?
The case shows why lawyers must check injury claims carefully.
Attorneys should compare client accounts with medical records and accident reports.
They should also investigate major conflicts before filing.
What happens next?
The defendants can respond to the city’s complaint.
After that, the court will review the claims and defenses.
The case will then continue through the federal court process.
Bottom Line
New York City’s lawsuit against Asher & Associates puts alleged injury fraud under the spotlight.
The case also brings attention to civil RICO claims.
However, the city’s allegations remain unproven.
For lawyers, the case offers a simple lesson. Check the facts before filing an injury claim.
Law firms should also keep strong review procedures in place.
Careful fact checking can protect clients, lawyers, and the firms that represent them.
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NYC Lawsuit Accuses Manhattan Firm of Bogus Injury Suits first appeared on
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