What Happens If You’re Injured on Public Property in Illinois?
You might not think twice about walking through a public building or strolling through a city park, until something goes wrong. An unexpected fall, a broken step, or a slick floor can quickly turn a normal day into a painful and stressful experience. When an injury takes place on property maintained by a government agency, figuring out who is responsible and what steps to take next can feel overwhelming.
The laws around public property accidents in Illinois come with special rules, and acting quickly is often just as important as the injury itself. If you were hurt in a place owned or operated by a local or state agency, now is the time to speak with someone who understands these types of claims. Attorney Michael J. Brennan can help you take the next step and make sure your voice is heard.
Can You Sue the Government for an Injury in Illinois?
If you get injured on public property in Illinois, you may be able to file a claim against the government. However, the process is different from typical personal injury cases and follows its own set of rules. The state has laws in place that control when and how a person can sue a public agency.
When the injury involves state-run property, like a college campus or a state office building, the Court of Claims Act applies. This law says you need to bring your case through the Illinois Court of Claims. The law is found in section 705 ILCS 505 and it lays out how and when you need to file.
If the injury happened in a city park or a county building, a different rule applies. In these cases, the Tort Immunity Act comes into play. This law protects local governments from being sued unless specific conditions are met. For example, if the city knew about a hazard and did nothing to fix it, they may be held responsible.
Suing a government agency is not as simple as suing a private business or individual. These cases require strong evidence and strict attention to filing rules and deadlines. Missing even one step could mean losing your right to seek compensation.
That is why it is so important to speak with a lawyer if you were injured on public property. With the right help, you can better understand the process and take the steps needed to protect your rights.
Notice Requirements and Strict Deadlines
When someone is injured on public property in Illinois, the steps they need to take are not the same as in a typical accident case. One of the most important things to understand is that you cannot wait too long to act. The law has specific deadlines and notice rules, and missing them can mean you lose the chance to bring your case at all.
If your injury happened on local government property, such as a sidewalk maintained by the city or a county-owned building, you are usually required to send written notice to the correct agency within one year of the date you were hurt. This notice must include important information, like when and where the injury occurred and what caused it. Leaving out details or sending it to the wrong place can make it harder to move forward with your claim.
For injuries on state-owned property, you must follow the procedures outlined by the Court of Claims. This process may involve giving notice and also filing a formal claim, and both steps must be done within specific time limits. These timeframes can depend on the situation, which makes it even more important to act without delay.
Because these rules are not always easy to follow and the deadlines come quickly, speaking with a lawyer early can help protect your rights. An experienced attorney can make sure all the required paperwork is completed and sent to the right place before time runs out. Waiting too long can mean losing the chance to be heard at all.
Speak With an Illinois Injury Lawyer Today
Injuries that happen on public property are not always simple to resolve. These cases involve special rules and shorter time limits that are easy to miss if you try to handle everything on your own. Getting legal help early can protect your rights and give you the best chance at recovering what you deserve.If you were hurt on government property in Illinois, attorney Michael J. Brennan is here to help. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and learn how he can guide you through your next steps.