Public parks are designed to be safe spaces where people can walk, run, play, or enjoy the outdoors. However, when the agency responsible for maintenance fails to meet its obligations, these spaces can become sites of serious accidents. If you’ve been injured in a park, you may be entitled to compensation—but the rules for suing a government entity are very different from those in a typical personal injury case.
Under the legal principle of premises liability, government agencies are required to maintain public areas in reasonably safe condition. If hazardous conditions like broken playground equipment, deep cracks in walkways, or the absence of warning signs in pesticide-treated zones are not addressed in a timely manner, this may be considered negligence. According to California Government Code § 835, a public entity can be held liable if the condition posed a foreseeable risk and the agency either created it or failed to fix it despite knowing—or having reason to know—about it.
If you suffer an injury in a public park, it’s essential to take the right steps immediately. First, seek medical attention to ensure your safety and to create a medical record. Then, report the accident to park officials or the city—there must be an official record of the incident. It’s also important to document the scene: take clear photos of the hazard and your injuries, and gather names and contact information of any witnesses. Finally, keep the clothes and shoes you were wearing at the time, as these could serve as physical evidence.
Filing a claim against the government follows a strict and short timeline. In California, for example, personal injury claims must be filed within six months, as outlined in Government Code § 911.2. This process begins with a Formal Notice of Claim, which must include a detailed description of the incident, the injuries sustained, the amount of damages sought, and witness information. If the agency denies your claim or fails to respond in time, you may then file a lawsuit.
Because these cases are complex and time-sensitive, it’s important to work with an experienced attorney. At Nourmand Legal, we specialize in helping injury victims navigate the challenges of suing public entities.
Call us today at (800) 550-9816 for a free case evaluation. Your safety and your rights are our top priority.