Public spaces are intended to be safe areas for people to walk, play, shop, and gather. However, when cities or government agencies fail to maintain their property, it creates risks for residents and visitors. Cracked sidewalks, poorly lit stairwells, loose railings, or unmarked hazards can cause serious injuries. If you were hurt on public property, you may be wondering whether you can seek compensation. The answer is yes, but these cases follow a different legal procedure than other personal injury claims.
At Ponce Law, we recognize the complexity of these cases and the challenges they present. Our skilled premises liability attorneys have assisted numerous individuals in obtaining the compensation they deserve after sustaining injuries on city-owned or government-maintained property. We understand the legal requirements, deadlines, and steps necessary to pursue justice. Contact a Nashville public property injury lawyer today to discuss your options for seeking compensation.
Public property refers to land or buildings owned or maintained by a government body, such as a federal agency.
This includes locations such as:
If you are injured on one of these properties due to unsafe conditions, the local or state government may be legally responsible for your injuries.
Injuries on public property can occur in various ways. Some of the most common causes include:
The law requires public entities to maintain their properties in a reasonably safe condition. If they are aware of a hazard, or should have been made aware, and fail to address it, a public property injury lawyer based in Nashville can help you hold them accountable.
When you are injured on private property, your property injury lawyer can typically file a claim or lawsuit against the owner or insurance company. However, when the property is public, specific legal rules apply under Tennessee law.
The Tennessee Governmental Tort Liability Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 29-20-101 et seq., establishes strict guidelines on when and how you can file a claim. One of the most important things to note is that the time frame for taking legal action is much shorter. The deadlines for filing notice with the appropriate government agency are shorter than the standard one-year deadline for other injury cases. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you may lose the ability to seek compensation.
For this reason, consulting a lawyer as soon as possible is essential. At Ponce Law, a Nashville-based attorney with experience in public property injury cases will act promptly to protect your claim, gather evidence, and ensure that all required paperwork is completed and submitted on time.
Our legal team can also explain the type of compensation that may be available. You may be eligible to recover financial losses such as lost wages, medical expenses, and future costs related to reduced earning capacity. Some people can also receive compensation for non-economic damages, including pain and suffering or diminished quality of life.
However, Tennessee law imposes limits on the amount of compensation available in certain public injury cases. A knowledgeable lawyer at Ponce Law can provide guidance on the potential value of your claim and how state liability limits may impact it.
If you were injured on public property, you do not have to handle the legal process by yourself. A Nashville public property injury lawyer at Ponce Law can help you understand your rights and build a strong case.
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation. We will listen to your situation, explain your legal options, and provide guidance throughout the process. Our team is committed to advocating for you and is prepared to begin working on your case.
