Family of unarmed man shot by police in public housing stairway files claims to sue NYC

The family of an unarmed man shot by a police officer in a New York City housing project stairway has notified the city that it intends to file lawsuits seeking $50 million.

The attorney for the mother of Akai (uh-KY') Gurley's toddler daughter filed legal paperwork Thursday.

Gurley was shot to death Nov. 20.

Police have said Officer Peter Liang (lee-ANG') apparently fired accidentally when Gurley and his girlfriend opened a door into the stairwell in Brooklyn.

Police Commissioner William Bratton has said Gurley was "totally innocent."

A notice of claim is the first step in suing the city. Sometimes claims are settled before the actual lawsuits are filed.

The city's Law Department called it a "tragic incident" and said the matter would be reviewed.