Facts About Bringing a Sidewalk Injury Claim Against the City
Imagine this: You are taking a walk in the peaceful summer air when, all of a sudden, you fall and your day-to-day life changes forever. Unfortunately, this is the truth for many people who fall victim to sidewalk injuries every year. These unexpected accidents can cause very serious harm and leave you in a drastic situation. You may need compensation for your medical bills and lost wages from lost time at work but have no idea where to turn. If your sidewalk claim involves the city, you may think that there are very few options for you. This is why it pays to have an experienced attorney on your side through it all.
Suing the City for Injuries
Sometimes, when you have been injured due to sidewalk conditions, the city who is typically responsible for maintaining the sidewalk could also be liable for your injuries. The city has a duty to keep sidewalks in safe condition for those who are traveling publicly. If the city breaches this duty and does not remedy the unsafe conditions, they could be found liable. The city is also responsible for giving notice of the sidewalk defects. Liability can be proven if the city knew about the danger and did nothing to stop it.
Understanding the Facts
You must understand what happens during your claim and what guidelines must be met. For instance, there is a statute of limitations on these cases. Of course, you probably already understand that when you are filing a personal injury claim, you must do so within a certain time period. But that time period is usually shorter with the state or local government. In fact, some jurisdictions only give you 30 days to file your claim! You must also usually meet a notice requirement within a certain time period. This requires you to mail a notice of claim for your injuries to each government employee or entity. Because these guidelines are strict and required, it is beneficial to speak to an experienced attorney about your case. Call us for more information on how we can help.
