Slipping on a wet sidewalk or falling due to a broken step in a city building can leave you injured — but when public property is involved, suing the government gets complicated.
Who Owns Public Property?
Public property includes:
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City sidewalks
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Government buildings
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Public parks
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Schools
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Roads and intersections
Can You Sue the Government?
Yes — but the rules are stricter. Most states have sovereign immunity laws, meaning the government is generally protected from lawsuits. However, under laws like the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) or similar state laws, you can still sue — with conditions.
Key Requirements:
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File a notice of claim within a short deadline (often 30–180 days).
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Provide full details of the injury and damages.
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Wait for approval or rejection from the agency before filing a lawsuit.
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Prove negligence — e.g., failure to repair a hazard in a reasonable time.
Common Cases:
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Cracked sidewalks
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Ice accumulation on city walkways
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Playground accidents
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Faulty public building maintenance
Challenges:
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Short deadlines
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Strict proof standards
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Damage caps (limited compensation)
Pro Tip:
Hire a personal injury lawyer who specializes in public liability cases — they understand the tight deadlines and procedures.
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