Terre Haute Public Property Injury Lawyer

There are not many factors that prevent a person injured on someone else’s property from seeking compensation when liability is clear. The injured party can file a suit based on negligence and pursue a fair monetary award for their injuries. However, things become complicated when the at-fault party is a government entity.

In these situations, the guidance of a Terre Haute public property injury lawyer cannot be understated. Although the thought of suing the government might seem daunting, skilled premises liability attorneys can pursue a measure of justice in these cases.

The Ability to Sue the Government

The public’s ability to sue municipal or state government entities is limited. Public employees and agencies are generally shielded from civil liability due to the immunity provided by the Indiana Tort Claims Against Government Entities and Public Employees Act. That said, a lawsuit is possible in a few specific scenarios. One is when a person slips, falls, and is injured on government property.

Additional complications come with pursuing a case against a state or a local municipality. When suing the state, a plaintiff must first submit a Notice of Tort Claim that formally warns the government of the impending lawsuit. This must be done within 180 days of the injury, which is far shorter than the standard time limit to file a lawsuit.

Failure to do so can result in the denial of a case. An attorney in Terre Haute can comply with the strict requirements for public property injury cases.

When do Injuries Occur on Public Property?

There are different circumstances where a person can suffer a serious injury on government-owned land. First, it is helpful to understand all of the places where these accidents can happen. A public property injury lawyer in Terre Haute could pursue legal action based on incidents in any of the following locations:

• Government buildings.
• City parks.
• County-owned land.
• Public schools.
• Libraries.
• Public transportation facilities.

The types of accidents vary as much as the possible locations. Slips and falls are the most common cause of injuries on public property. They can happen anywhere, both indoors and out. Often, they occur due to spilled liquid, broken steps, or cracked pavement.

Injuries on Government Property

The nature of the accident will have an oversized impact on the type of injury. For example, slipping and falling in a government building can lead to anything from a sprained wrist to traumatic brain injuries.

Being struck by a car in a city park could lead to broken bones or lacerations. Some of the injuries that are frequently linked to these accidents include the following:

• Broken arms or legs.
• Internal bleeding.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Severe burns.
• Sprains and strains.
• Torn ligaments.
• Back injuries.
• Paralysis.

Before someone can notify the government of a potential claim, they need a clear picture of the extent of their injuries. A lawyer in Terre Haute can evaluate a public property injury to determine what damages might be available and when the lawsuit should be filed.

Get in Touch With a Public Property Injury Attorney in Terre Haute

If you have been injured on government-owned property, you deserve to seek justice. These cases can be challenging, and you need an advocate who understands how this area of the law works. Reach out to a Terre Haute public property injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin today.