If you trip and fall due to a dangerous situation on public property, you may assume that it is the city’s responsibility. This is not always the case when it comes to accidents on public sidewalks though. The government could be the negligent party here, but it’s going to take a bit of work to confirm that. A Corpus Christi, Texas slip & fall lawyer can help you figure out who needs to be held responsible.
When Would the Government Be Responsible for a Fall on Public Sidewalks?
When accidents occur on a sidewalk in front of a home, that is rarely the city’s responsibility. When the public sidewalks are not near residences, then the city is probably the party in charge of maintaining them. A slip and fall on one of these sidewalks could potentially be blamed on the city.
What Do I Have to Show in My Lawsuit?
It is not as simple as blaming any fall on the city though. You need to show a few things with your case in order to receive any compensation. You must have evidence that:
- The dangerous condition lasted long enough for the government to know about it
- The hazard was known about but no one fixed it
- The hazard was actually created by the government
Showing evidence of any of these situations can make it easier to argue that you deserve compensation for your accident.
How Long Do You Have to Sue Over Accidents on Public Sidewalks?
There is always a statute of limitations in a personal injury case, but if you sue the city you have even less time to act. Most of the time you have just 180 days, or six months, to submit a claim and describe what happened to you. Some Texas cities have even shorter windows, like Austin and its 45-day time limit.
Basically, it is always in your best interest to act quickly here. If you are even thinking about suing for damages, make sure that your claim is properly filed with the city or municipality before this deadline.
Are Damages Limited When You Sue the Government?
Another thing to note about suing the government is that damages will often be limited. When suing a private company, a jury can decide to award you a huge settlement, but this cannot happen if you sue a government entity. Instead, your damages will usually be limited to $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $100,000 per occurrence for property damage. Some municipalities may have a higher limit.
Contact Our Law Firm
When you are ready to move forward with your personal injury case, contact Sahadi Legal Group. We can offer you a free consultation. Reach out to us before you miss your chance to pursue compensation.
