N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 20-933: § 20-933 Civil action.

a.

Cause of action.

1. Except as otherwise provided by law, a freelance worker alleging a violation of this chapter may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction for damages as described in subdivision b of this section.

2. Any action alleging a violation of section 20-928 shall be brought within two years after the acts alleged to have violated this chapter occurred.

3. Any action alleging a violation of sections 20-929 or 20-930 shall be brought within six years after the acts alleged to have violated this chapter occurred.

4. Within 10 days after having commenced a civil action pursuant to subdivision a of this section, a plaintiff shall serve a copy of the complaint upon an authorized representative of the commissioner. Failure to so serve a complaint does not adversely affect any plaintiff's cause of action.

5. A plaintiff who solely alleges a violation of section 20-928 must prove that such plaintiff requested a written contract before the contracted work began.

b.

Damages.

1. A plaintiff who prevails on a claim alleging a violation of this chapter shall be awarded damages as described in this subdivision and an award of reasonable attorney's fees and costs.

2. Violation of section 20-928.

(a) A plaintiff who prevails on a claim alleging a violation of section 20-928 shall be awarded statutory damages of $250.

(b) A plaintiff who prevails on a claim alleging a violation of section 20-928 and on one or more claims under other provisions of this chapter shall be awarded statutory damages equal to the value of the underlying contract for the violation of section 20-928 in addition to the remedies specified in this chapter for the other violations.

3. Violation of section 20-929. In addition to any other damages awarded pursuant to this chapter, a plaintiff who prevails on a claim alleging a violation of section 20-929 is entitled to an award for double damages, injunctive relief and other such remedies as may be appropriate.

4. Violation of section 20-930. In addition to any other damages awarded pursuant to this chapter, a plaintiff who prevails on a claim alleging a violation of section 20-930 is entitled to statutory damages equal to the value of the underlying contract for each violation arising under such section.

(L.L. 2016/140, 11/16/2016, eff. 5/15/2017; Am. L.L. 2020/080, 8/28/2020, eff. 8/28/2020)