Accidents can happen anywhere, and an unexpected injury can turn a pleasant outing into a painful experience. If you’ve suffered an accident at a public park, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a skilled personal injury attorney to protect your rights and hold the appropriate parties accountable. Here’s why that matters and when to seek legal help.
What to Do If You Have an Accident at a Public Park
Public parks are designed for recreation and outdoor entertainment. However, parks can present unique hazards for those who visit them. Uneven or cracked walkways, slippery surfaces, and poorly maintained playground equipment can play critical roles in public park safety.
Other hazards can include poor drainage, unmaintained parking lots, falling tree branches, negligent security, and generally unsafe conditions. Since public parks are often owned and operated by government entities, it is their responsibility to ensure a hazard-free environment.
Unfortunately, filing a claim for an accident at a public park can be tricky. It’s also more complicated than a standard personal injury case. Special rules and deadlines apply in public park injury claims, so victims must act quickly to protect their interests and seek adequate compensation.
When to Consult Personal Injury Attorneys
Consider speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible if:
- Your slip and fall caused broken bones, a head or back injury, or any condition requiring hospitalization, long-term rehabilitation, or surgery.
- You’re unable to work because of your accident at a public park, even if the inability to work is only temporary.
- The park’s negligence caused your injuries since public parks must maintain safe walkways, address safety complaints, and promptly fix hazardous conditions.
Most public parks have state, local, or federal oversight committees that handle safety concerns and personal injury claims. They must follow strict procedures with short deadlines, often 30 to 90 days after the claim was filed.
If you’ve already filed a public park injury claim and received a lowball settlement offer from an insurance company, don’t accept it without consulting a personal injury attorney first. Insurers frequently leverage tactics to minimize payouts, but a skilled lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure fair compensation for injuries, pain, and suffering.
Steps to Take
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident at a public park is essential. Your health is the priority, so even if the injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor. Medical professionals can rule out or discover hidden complications. Next, notify park management about your injury and request a written incident report if you can.
If possible, take photos of the park and accident scene for evidence. Document the hazard that caused your accident and any visible injuries. Then, gather witness statements and contact information for later. In the meantime, refrain from speaking to insurance adjusters without a personal injury attorney present.
Compensation for Accidents at a Public Park
If your public park injury claim is successful, you may be eligible for substantial compensation for medical expenses, including hospital bills, medications, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Compensation may also be provided for lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability or disfigurement.
Each case is different, so work with an experienced personal injury attorney to evaluate the case and ensure a comprehensive approach. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Sullivan and Sullivan today for more information and to schedule your confidential consultation.
