When injuries happen on public property, the government could face liability; however, the law treats government entities differently than most personal injury defendants, often making it difficult to hold them legally accountable.
That said, you should never assume that you are not entitled to justice. Our dedicated premises liability attorneys at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya can review the facts of your case and help you understand your legal rights. Let a Bear public property injury lawyer help you build a claim for compensation.
How Do People Get Hurt on Public Property?
Many people get hurt on public property. From municipal buildings to public parks, injuries can happen anywhere. Most injuries people sustain on public property result from a trip or fall. These falls often occur due to leftover ice or snow on the sidewalk, or a missing handrail in a stairwell. Common injuries associated with these events include the following:
- Sprained ankles or wrists
- Soft tissue damage
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractured bones
- Traumatic head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Unfortunately, many of these injuries require extensive medical care or rehabilitation, resulting in significant expenses. Fortunately, a hardworking attorney in Bear will work to get plaintiffs the compensation they need to pay for their injuries resulting from public property incidents.
What is Municipal Immunity?
One of the most challenging aspects of pursuing legal action for an injury on public property is municipal immunity. Municipalities throughout the state typically have immunity from personal injury lawsuits. Therefore, even when it is appears that the municipality was negligent, the plaintiff cannot bring a claim against it.
That said, some exceptions, such as the presence of gross negligence, could make the local government liable. Before assuming it is impossible to recover compensation for a public property injury, rely on the guidance of a knowledgeable lawyer in Bear.
Additional Notice Requirements
Another aspect of pursuing legal action against a public entity is the potential for additional notice requirements. While all personal injury lawsuits must comply with the statute of limitations, lawsuits against municipal entities usually require additional notice requirements that could prevent the plaintiff from filing a claim.
These requirements usually involve written notification to the appropriate government representative about a potential claim within a set window of time. This notification period is typically a matter of one year—shorter than the statute of limitations for standard injury cases.
Possible Compensation for a Public Property Injury
Despite these additional challenges, recovering a monetary award after an injury on public property is still possible. The damages available depend on the facts of the case. Some of the compensation a Bear public property injury attorney might be able to recover includes the following:
- Lost wages
- Past or future medical expenses
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
Determining the value of a personal injury case is an important part of the process—this is true against public and private defendants alike. A talented attorney in Bear can paint a clear picture of what an injury that occurs on public property is worth.
Reach Out to a Public Property Injury Attorney in Bear Immediately
Unexpected challenges come with filing a lawsuit against the government; therefore, guidance from an experienced attorney is especially valuable. Let a Bear public property injury lawyer assist you with your case from start to finish. Call today to get started on your case.
