If you were hurt on public property—a sidewalk, park, school, government building, or any other publicly owned place—you may be wondering what comes next. You might think you cannot take legal action against the government or that no one will take your case seriously. In reality, you absolutely have rights, and you can take legal steps to protect yourself and get the help you need.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, we help people every day who, like you, were seriously injured in places they should have been safe. Most of our cases come from other attorneys who trust us with their clients. We are known across Florida for handling complicated premises liability claims, including those against government agencies, and we have an Orlando public property injury lawyer ready to fight for you.
What Counts as Public Property in Florida?
Public property includes any land, structure, or space owned and maintained by a local, state, or federal government entity.
Your injury could have happened in a variety of places, including:
- City parks and playgrounds
- Public schools or libraries
- Government office buildings
- Public sidewalks or parking lots
- Public transportation stations or vehicles
- Courthouses, DMV offices, or post offices
- City-maintained roadways, trails, or bridges
If you were hurt because one of these places was not appropriately maintained or presented a hidden danger, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries. Orlando public property cases are different from regular personal injury claims, however, and you may require experienced legal help from our attorneys for a successful case.
Common Public Property Hazards That Can Lead to Injuries
Just like private property owners, government agencies have a responsibility to keep their properties reasonably safe. That includes fixing known hazards and warning the public about dangers they have not had a chance to repair yet.
Some of the most common public property dangers include:
- Cracked or uneven sidewalks
- Poor lighting in stairwells or parking garages
- Wet floors or spills in public restrooms
- Deteriorated playground equipment
- Broken or missing handrails
- Unsafe public transportation platforms
- Inadequate security or supervision
If you slipped, tripped, fell, or were otherwise injured on public property in Orlando, you may have a valid claim; one of our lawyers could help you find out.
The Challenges of Suing a Government Entity
Filing a claim against a government agency comes with strict rules and shorter deadlines than typical personal injury cases. You only have three years to file a notice of claim against a city or state government. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
The compensation you may receive in these cases is also limited. Unless the state legislature passes a claims bill allowing more, Florida law currently caps damages in many public property injury cases at $200,000 per person or $300,000 per incident.
Getting hurt in a public space is both painful and disruptive. You might be facing a long recovery, unexpected medical expenses, and time away from work.
When a government agency violates its duty to keep you safe, you should not be left with the consequences. Our Orlando lawyers may be able to help you recover damages for the expenses related to your public property injury, including:
- Emergency care
- Hospital bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages or lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- The emotional trauma of your ordeal
While pursuing compensation may seem daunting, do not let the legal complexities stop you. We know how to handle these claims.
When one of our clients was injured on a buckled sidewalk, the City of Altamonte Springs refused to take responsibility, claiming they had no knowledge of the hazard. By showing that the City failed to conduct adequate inspections, we secured a verdict that was almost 60 times greater than the City’s lowball pre-trial offer.
These cases may seem daunting to you, but we have helped clients like you face powerful government entities—and win.
Get Help From Our Attorneys With Your Orlando Public Property Injury Case
You are here because something went wrong, and you need answers. You are probably in pain, worried about how to pay your bills, and unsure of whom to trust. That is exactly why we do what we do.
An Orlando public property injury lawyer from our firm is one that other lawyers trust. We handle tough cases, including those against government entities, and we have a strong record of helping injured people just like you. We listen to your story, guide you through the legal process, and support you until you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call now to schedule your free consultation.