Accessing Relief When Injured On Public Property

Accidents can happen anywhere, on a sidewalk, in a grocery store, or even at a friend’s home. But when an injury occurs on government-owned property, the process of pursuing compensation looks very different than a typical premises liability case.

Claims against government entities are governed by special rules, strict deadlines, and liability caps. If you or a loved one has been hurt on public property, have a conversation with a seasoned Baltimore personal injury lawyer.

Different Rules for Government Claims

When filing a premises liability claim against a government entity, you are not operating under the same rules as you would with a private property owner. Instead, claims are generally governed by the Maryland Tort Claims Act (MTCA) or the Local Government Tort Claims Act (LGTCA), depending on whether state or local government property was involved.

These laws limit when and how claims can be brought. Some of the key differences include:

• Notice requirements. Before you can pursue a lawsuit, you must first file a formal notice of your claim. Under the MTCA, you generally have one year from the date of the injury to file notice with the Maryland State Treasurer’s Office. For local governments, notice is often required within 180 days of the injury. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your right to compensation.
• Liability caps. Unlike private parties, government bodies are protected by damage caps. Under the MTCA, recovery is capped at $400,000 per claimant per incident.
• Limited immunity. Some government actions are immune from lawsuits entirely, which means not every injury will result in a valid claim.

Because of these strict rules, navigating a government property injury claim requires precision and careful timing. You could be involved in one of these claims if you slipped on a poorly maintained walking path or fell on wet floors in courthouses, administrative offices, or DMV locations. Injuries caused by unsafe conditions at MARC train stations, bus stops, or while boarding public transportation could also require monetary relief.

While government property claims may resemble private property claims, the fact that the property is government-owned introduces unique legal hurdles.

Protecting Your Rights After an Injury

After an injury on government property in Maryland, it is wise to consult with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The deadlines for providing notice are short, the paperwork must be filed correctly, and the laws governing these cases can be complex.

A lawyer can evaluate whether your injury falls under the MTCA, LGTCA, or another statute and ensure all notice requirements are met within the deadline. With a legal professional on your side, potential damages can be calculated correctly, too. Waiting too long to seek legal help can jeopardize your entire case.

Is a settlement in reach for you? Injuries on government property can leave victims facing medical bills, missed work, and lasting pain. But when you pursue compensation with the support of the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP, you can access the financial support you need to recover. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.