When visiting a government property, the last thing you expect is to get injured. Understanding your legal options in these situations is essential to recovering the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of their options when injured on government property. To help you explore the necessary steps to pursue a claim against the government for injuries sustained in an accident, consult the following blog and an experienced Prince George’s County Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer.
What is Premises Liability?
First and foremost, property owners in Maryland have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to identify and address potential hazards on their premises that could lead to accidents and injuries. If a property owner fails to fulfill their duty of care and someone sustains an injury on their property due to a dangerous condition, the property owner may be held liable under premises liability laws. The government is subject to the same premises liability laws as private property owners. They must maintain public parks, roads, sidewalks, and other government-owned properties in safe condition.
Is the Statute of Limitations Different for Injuries Sustained on Government Property?
It’s important to understand that the statute of limitations is a set timeframe in whcih a lawsuit must be filed after an injury occurs. These deadlines ensure that legal disputes are resolved within a reasonable period. Failing to meet the deadline can bar you from seeking compensation for your damages. As such, knowing these deadlines is essential to protect your legal rights and pursue rightful compensation.
Generally, the government is safeguarded from lawsuits. However, the doctrine of sovereign immunity is not absolute, meaning it can be waived in certain circumstances under the Maryland Tort Claims Act. When immunity is waived, there are specific regulations you must follow. Most notably, those who intend to sue the government due to an injury must first file a Notice of Claim.
A Notice of Claim is a written document that informs a government entity of a potential lawsuit. Essentially, it allows the government entity to investigate the merits of the claim, ensuring relevant information and witnesses are available. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically three years from the date of the injury. However, when you intend to sue the government, the statute is much shorter. You must file a Notice of Claim within one year in order ot pursue legal action, which is an increase from the previous 180-day limit. While you don’t need to file the lawsuit within this timeframe, the Notice of Claim must be submitted.
At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we are prepared to help you navigate the complexities of the legal process and fight for the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Connect with our firm today for guidance and skilled representation.
