Slipping and falling due to a hazard on someone else’s property can be frustrating and painful – but what happens when the government owns that property?
Filing a personal injury claim after a slip and fall on government property works a little differently than other types of claims.
The team at Rizk Law can guide you through the process and manage the details while you focus on healing. Contact us right away for your free consultation with an experienced Oregon slip and fall lawyer.
Leading Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents on Government Property
Slip and fall accidents on government property can happen in a wide variety of settings.
These cases involve unsafe conditions that a government agency should have fixed or clearly marked, such as:
- Wet floors in courthouses, schools, or other public buildings
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks near government offices or parks
- Potholes in public parking lots or walkways
- Loose handrails or broken steps on public property
- Poor lighting in stairwells, hallways, or entry areas
- Ice, snow, or standing water left on walkways
- Torn carpeting, broken tiles, or damaged flooring inside government buildings
Common Injuries from Government Slip and Fall Accidents in Oregon
A fall on government property can cause injuries that range from relatively mild to life-altering.
While some people recover within weeks, others may need ongoing medical care and extended time away from work.
Some of the most common slip and fall injuries that can happen on government property include:
- Fractures, especially broken wrists, arms, ankles, or hips
- Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Back injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal trauma
- Neck injuries, including whiplash and strained muscles
- Knee damage, including torn ligaments or cartilage
- Shoulder injuries, such as dislocations or rotator cuff tears
- Soft tissue injuries, as well as severe cuts and bruises
What Should You Do After a Slip and Fall on Government Property?
What you do after a fall can affect both your health and your ability to bring a claim against the government.
Take the following steps to protect yourself:
- Report the accident to the agency, building staff, or property manager right away.
- Ask them to prepare an incident report and request a copy.
- Take photos or video of the hazard before anyone cleans it up or repairs it.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the fall or the dangerous condition.
- Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if your injuries may seem minor.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep records of your appointments, bills, and diagnoses.
- Save the shoes and clothing you were wearing in case they become important later.
- Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance representatives before speaking with a lawyer.
- Contact an Oregon slip and fall lawyer promptly so they can meet all applicable deadlines and notice requirements.
Can You Sue the Government for a Slip and Fall Injury in Oregon?
In some cases, you can bring a claim against a government agency for slip and fall injuries caused by unsafe property conditions.
However, claims against the government are subject to different rules than claims against private property owners. The Oregon Tort Claims Act outlines when and how injury victims can hold the government accountable.
Given the strict procedures that govern claims against Oregon government entities, it’s smart to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident.
What Evidence Do You Need to Support a Government Slip and Fall Claim in Oregon?
You need strong evidence to support your claim and show how the fall happened, what caused it, how badly you were hurt, and who should be responsible for compensating you.
That evidence may include:
- Photos of the hazard, such as wet floors, broken pavement, poor lighting, or damaged stairs
- Video footage showing the fall or the condition that caused it
- Incident reports made to the government agency or property staff
- Medical records linking the fall to your injuries
- Bills, treatment records, and other documents showing your losses
- Witness statements from people who saw the fall or the dangerous condition
- Maintenance, inspection, or repair records that may show notice of the hazard
Types of Compensation Available in Oregon Government Slip and Fall Cases
After a slip and fall on government property, you can seek compensation for both your financial losses and the personal impact of your injuries.
Depending on the facts of your case, your compensation may include payment for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Other out-of-pocket costs related to the slip and fall
How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim with the Government?
Under Oregon law, you must notify the government of your slip and fall injury claim within 180 days of the incident.
Your Tort Claim Notice must be sent through certified mail with a return receipt to prove you sent it on time.
It isn’t always obvious which governmental agency is responsible, so it’s important to send notice to all known potentially responsible entities.
Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact an Oregon slip and fall attorney as soon as possible so they can promptly file your claim.
When and Why You Should Contact Our Portland Slip and Fall Lawyers
If you slipped and fell on government property due to a hazard someone should’ve addressed, contact the team at Rizk Law right away to begin discussing your legal rights and options with an experienced Oregon slip and fall lawyer.
For over 20 years, our firm has served injured Oregonians, recovering millions in settlements and verdicts for deserving individuals who have had to live with the effects of others’ actions.*
Those efforts have led to many glowing testimonials from our happy clients, such as this one:
“The team of attorneys and staff at Rizk Law are sharp, caring, & extremely effective of executing successful strategies for personal injury cases. Their work speaks for itself.”
– Hewitt Pagenstecher
When you turn to Rizk Law to represent you in your claim against an Oregon government agency, you can rely on our team to take your case as seriously as you do.
Simply put, we know Oregon – we have ongoing relationships with the local courts and third-party experts, and we understand the tactics local insurers use to deprive victims of what they deserve. We’re not afraid to advocate for you at every stage, including in the courtroom.
Contact our office today to discuss your case with a lawyer who’s ready to fight for the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
*Each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.