The family of Eric Garner, who died after being placed in a chokehold by police, is suing New York City as well as the New York Police District and six other officers for $75 million, reports said.

A notice of claim to sue was filed last Monday by the family as the first legal step in the initial phase of the process to sue over the death of the 43-year-old Garner.

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New York City spokesman Scott Stringer said that the claim is being reviewed thoroughly by the city's legal department.

The NYPD has yet to comment on the notice of claim.

Last July 17, Garner was stopped by the New York police on Staten Island for allegedly selling loose cigarettes. A video recorded by an onlooker showed that Garner refused to heed the police officers' orders and resisted being handcuffed, telling them to leave him alone.

The police officers then placed Garner, who was unarmed, in a chokehold, a police practice which is actually banned in police policies.

Garner was heard gasping, saying "I can't breathe, I can't breathe." According to his family, Garner was asthmatic and it was later reported that the police chokehold contributed immensely to his death as shown by the autopsy result released by the city medical examiner.

Reports said a grand jury is set to determine if criminal charges should be filed against the police officers.

Garner's death sparked an outrage among African-American communities which led to the August 23 protest march in Staten Island that drew thousands of protesters to the streets demanding justice for Garner.

Reports said the legal firm of Sanford Rubenstein filed the notice of claim on behalf of the Garners. Legal luminaries questioned the credibility of Rubenstein to represent the Garners since he is currently being investigated over charges of rape filed against him by a woman.

Reverend Al Sharpton, who has been supporting the plea of justice for Eric's family, said the fact that Rubenstein's name is on the notice doesn't mean he will be the legal  representation of the Garners.

Sharpton said they had to file the notice of claim immediately to avoid the prescriptive period in filing it.

TagsEric Garner, NYPD, New York City, Rev. Al Sharpton, chokehold, chokehold case