When you suffer an injury on public property, the legal process is complicated. This is where you could benefit from the support of a Columbia public property liability lawyer. At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we have dedicated ourselves to helping people manage complicated claims.
We understand the specific rules and tight deadlines you are facing when you are trying to get compensation from municipalities or state agencies. Whether you suffered an injury on a sidewalk, at a park, or inside a public building, our dedicated premises liability attorneys are here to help.
Common Injuries on Public Property
Injuries on public property can range from minor bruises to life-altering trauma, and they often result from poor maintenance, negligence, or unsafe conditions. Common types of accidents include:
- Tripping over broken pavement or debris
- Falls caused by inadequate lighting or missing railings
- Slip and falls due to wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven walkways
These accidents can lead to fractures, head and brain injuries, back and spinal cord damage, cuts, and soft tissue injuries.
Public parks and recreation areas can also pose risks. Defective playground equipment, poorly maintained sports fields, or unsafe trails can result in severe lacerations, sprains, or even paralysis. Additionally, electrical hazards, falling objects, or construction zones on public property may lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
The government owes you a duty of care when you are on public property, and they must undertake reasonable efforts to keep you safe. If they fail to do so, our public property liability attorneys in Columbia know how to hold them accountable.
Who Is Responsible for an Injury on Public Property?
You can hold the government liable for an injury you suffer on public property. Although the government typically has sovereign immunity, it waives it under certain circumstances pursuant to the South Carolina Tort Claims Act (SCTCA). The government can be sued the same as any other private individual when they have been negligent. The only difference is that certain unique rules apply when you are suing the government.
First, there are compressed time frames to give the government notice of your claim and take legal action. Second, certain damage limitations apply in regards to both the amount of compensation that you can recover and whether you can receive punitive damages. Due to these complications, you should seek help from a public property liability lawyer in Columbia when you bring a claim against the government.
What Damages May Be Available in Public Property Injury Cases?
When you sue the government over injuries you suffered due to negligence—such as unsafe public property or a government vehicle accident—you may be entitled to recover several types of damages under the SCTCA. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from your injuries. You may also seek compensation for property damage and future medical costs if your injuries require ongoing care.
However, there are important limitations. State law caps recovery at $300,000 per person and $600,000 per occurrence, regardless of how many people suffered an injury. These caps strictly apply whether you are suing a local government or the state itself.
Further, the government can be difficult when you attempt to negotiate a settlement with them, making it even more important to have a public property liability attorney in Columbia representing you throughout the legal process.
Contact a Public Property Liability Attorney in Columbia Today
If you suffered an injury on public property, you may have the right to recover compensation. Our attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda understand the complicated rules governing claims against government entities and how to fight to protect your rights. We handle every step of your case, from investigating the cause of your injury to meeting strict filing deadlines. Contact a Columbia public property liability lawyer from our firm today for a free consultation to learn how we could help you pursue the justice you deserve.
