What Happens If You're Injured on Public Property in Pennsylvania?

Slipping on an icy sidewalk outside a municipal building in Center City, tripping over a broken step at a SEPTA station in North Philadelphia, or getting hurt on poorly maintained steps at a public park in Allentown are just a few examples of how an injury on public land in Pennsylvania can happen. When the government is responsible for maintaining property, the rules for holding them accountable differ from private property claims.

If you've been hurt in such a situation, understanding your legal options is critical. This is why you should resort to a Pennsylvania premises liability lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson right away. 

Can You Sue the City for an Injury in Pennsylvania?

Yes, but there are special rules that apply. Injuries that happen on government-owned property fall under what’s known as sovereign immunity or governmental immunity, which protects public entities from lawsuits in most cases. However, Pennsylvania has carved out exceptions to this rule through laws like the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act and the Sovereign Immunity Act.

These exceptions allow victims to sue the city for an injury in Pennsylvania if the injury was caused by negligence involving:

• Public sidewalks, streets, or highways
• City-owned parks or recreational facilities
• Government buildings or municipal offices
• SEPTA vehicles, stations, or terminals

Still, the legal process is more complex than suing a private business or homeowner. A qualified Pennsylvania premises liability lawyer can help you determine whether the government entity is liable and if your case fits within one of the legal exceptions.

What You Need to Prove in a Public Property Injury Case

As the injured party, you will need to show that the government entity failed to maintain its property in a reasonably safe condition and that this negligence directly caused your injuries. For instance, if you slipped on unshoveled snow outside Philadelphia’s Municipal Services Building, your lawyer must prove that the city knew or should have known about the danger and failed to act within a reasonable time.

You must typically demonstrate:

• The hazard was dangerous and preventable
• The government entity had actual or constructive notice of the hazard
• The entity failed to correct the condition within a reasonable timeframe
• Your injuries were a direct result of that failure

Tight Deadlines and Notice Requirements

Unlike ordinary injury cases, claims against government entities have strict timelines and notice rules. In Pennsylvania, you must file a Notice of Claim within six months of the date of injury. This notice must include:

• Your name and address
• The date, location, and circumstances of the incident
• A description of your injuries
• Names of your treating medical providers

Failing to provide proper notice within these six months can prevent you from recovering any compensation, no matter how strong your case might be.

Common Injuries on Public Property

Injuries on public property can happen in countless ways, often involving unsafe conditions or poor maintenance. Common injury types include:

• Broken bones from falls on icy or uneven sidewalks in cities such as Pittsburgh or Scranton
• Concussions or head trauma from falling objects in public buildings
• Soft tissue injuries caused by tripping hazards in state-owned parks like Neshaminy or Ridley Creek State Park
• Injuries from malfunctioning elevators in municipal parking garages

Why You Need a Pennsylvania Premises Liability Lawyer

Claims against public entities require deep knowledge of both personal injury law and Pennsylvania's immunity statutes. A seasoned Pennsylvania premises liability lawyer will help you:

• Investigate the public entity's role in maintaining the property
• File your Notice of Claim correctly and on time
• Collect evidence of prior complaints or maintenance failures
• Prove the extent of your damages and fight for full compensation

Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson for a Free Consultation

If you suffered an injury on public land in Pennsylvania, don’t try to navigate the legal system on your own. Our experienced Pennsylvania slip-and-fall lawyers at Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson can evaluate your case and guide you through every step of the process. To find out if you can sue the city for an injury in Pennsylvania, call (215) 731-9900 today for a free consultation.