Government and Public Property Injury Claims

Cities, counties, states and federal agencies maintain roads, sidewalks, parks, buildings and vehicles. When they fail to do so safely, injured people may be able to seek compensation — but government claims follow special rules that can end a valid case if they are missed.

Our attorneys handle claims involving dangerous roads and signals, public sidewalks and parks, government vehicles and public buildings, and we move quickly to meet notice deadlines.

Case Types We Handle

Our Government and Public Property Injury Claims practice includes 10 case types. Select one to learn more.

• Dangerous Public Road ConditionsDangerous public road conditions include potholes, missing guardrails and poor signage that government entities failed to address.
• Defective Traffic Signal Injury ClaimsDefective traffic signal claims involve malfunctioning, mistimed or missing signals that contributed to crashes.
• Public Sidewalk InjuriesPublic sidewalk injuries involve cracked, raised or broken sidewalks maintained by a city or county.
• Public Park InjuriesPublic park injuries involve unsafe playgrounds, trails, facilities and maintenance failures in government parks.
• Government Vehicle AccidentsGovernment vehicle accidents involve city, state or federal vehicles and are subject to special claim procedures.
• Public Transit Authority Injury ClaimsPublic transit authority claims involve buses, trains and stations operated by government agencies.
• Public Building Premises InjuriesPublic building injuries occur in courthouses, schools, libraries and government offices.
• Municipal Property NegligenceMunicipal property negligence covers city-owned land and facilities that were not maintained safely.
• Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) CasesFTCA cases involve injuries caused by federal employees or agencies and require an administrative claim before any lawsuit.
• State and Local Government Tort ClaimsState and local government tort claims follow state-specific rules for notice, immunity and damages.

Common Causes of Government and Public Property Injury Claims

• Potholes and dangerous road surfaces
• Malfunctioning or missing traffic signals and signs
• Broken or uneven public sidewalks
• Unsafe conditions in parks and public buildings
• Negligent operation of government vehicles
• Failure to repair known hazards

Injuries and Losses We See

• Fractures from falls
• Head injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Vehicle crash injuries
• Fatal injuries

Notice Deadlines and Immunity

Government entities are often protected by sovereign immunity except where a statute allows claims. Most states require a written notice of claim — frequently within months of the injury — before a lawsuit can be filed, and some limit the damages available. Claims against federal agencies follow the Federal Tort Claims Act, which requires an administrative claim first. These rules make early legal help especially important.

How We Investigate Government and Public Property Injury Claims Claims

Strong cases are built on evidence gathered early. Depending on the facts, we work to obtain:

• Notice-of-claim filings within strict deadlines
• Public maintenance and repair records
• Prior complaints and work orders
• Photographs and measurements of the defect

Who May Be Responsible

More than one party may share responsibility, which can increase the insurance coverage available. Potentially liable parties include:

• Cities and counties
• State agencies
• Public transit authorities
• Federal agencies (through the Federal Tort Claims Act)

What to Do After an Incident

1. Get medical care and report the incident to the owner or manager
2. Photograph the hazard, lighting and surroundings
3. Collect names of witnesses and employees present
4. Keep your shoes, clothing and any damaged items
5. Ask that video footage be preserved
6. Speak with an attorney before giving statements

Compensation You May Be Able to Recover

Depending on the facts and the law that applies, a claim may include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain, suffering and emotional distress
• Rehabilitation, long-term care and home modification costs
• Property damage and other out-of-pocket losses

Why Acting Early Matters

Every state sets deadlines for filing injury claims, and claims involving government entities can require formal notice within a much shorter time. Video footage, records and physical evidence can be lost quickly. Speaking with an attorney early protects your options.

How Our Attorneys Can Help

We investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, document the full extent of your losses and pursue a fair settlement — and we are prepared to go to court when an insurer will not be reasonable. Personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis: you pay no attorney fee unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free and confidential.