You slip on an icy sidewalk outside the courthouse. You trip over broken pavement near city hall. You’re injured when a tree branch falls in a public park. Getting hurt on government property creates unique legal challenges that most people don’t understand. Here are the critical questions you need answered to protect your legal rights:
- Can I Sue the Government for My Injury? Yes, but it’s more complicated than suing private property owners. Government entities have limited immunity, meaning they can only be sued under specific circumstances. You must prove the government knew about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it within a reasonable time, or that they created the hazard through negligent maintenance.
- How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? This is where many people lose their cases. Government injury claims have much shorter deadlines than private property cases. In Ohio, you typically have only six months to file formal notice against government entities, compared to two years for private property owners. Missing this deadline completely bars your case, regardless of how strong your evidence might be.
- What Evidence Do I Need to Win? Documentation is everything in government liability cases. Take photos of the exact hazardous condition, your injuries, and the surrounding area from multiple angles. Get contact information from witnesses who saw your accident or can testify about ongoing dangerous conditions. File an official incident report with the government entity and keep copies with proof of receipt.
- Why Do Government Cases Take So Long? Government entities often have internal review processes before they can settle claims. They also have teams of lawyers whose job is protecting taxpayer money by fighting every claim. Additionally, many government cases require approval from city councils, county commissioners, or other governing bodies before settlements can be finalized.
- Will They Try to Blame Me for the Accident? Government attorneys routinely argue that injured people were careless, distracted, or should have seen and avoided obvious hazards. They’ll scrutinize your actions leading up to the accident and look for any reason to shift blame away from their client’s negligent property maintenance.
- Should I Accept Their First Settlement Offer? Government insurance representatives contact injured people quickly with low settlement offers designed to resolve cases cheaply and quietly. These initial offers rarely account for future medical needs, lost wages from extended recovery, or the full impact of your injuries on your daily life.
The Law Offices of Tim Misny understands the complex rules governing government liability and fights to hold public entities accountable for their negligence. When government property hazards hurt you, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
