Injured in a City-Owned Space? Here’s When You Can Sue Them
content.team • August 15, 2025

August 15, 2025

Man who has slipped and fallen on the icy ground that the city was responsible for maintainingIf you were injured in a public park, on a city sidewalk, or inside a municipal building, you may have the right to seek compensation. Although government entities are often protected from lawsuits, exceptions exist in  personal injury cases  involving unsafe public property. 

McPhillips, Fitzgerald & Cullum LLP has represented injured individuals since 1911 and is the longest-standing law firm in the Greater Glens Falls region. With  13 attorneys  across multiple specialties and an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the firm offers the experience and resources needed to pursue serious claims. 

Whether your injury occurred in Glens Falls, Chestertown, or Miami Shores, legal action may be available when a city fails to correct known hazards.

Can the City Be Held Responsible for Your Injury?

City governments are responsible for maintaining safe conditions in public spaces. When a municipality fails to fix dangerous hazards, and someone is injured as a result, that  injured person may have grounds to file a personal injury claim  under premises liability law.

Examples of city negligence include:

  • Broken or uneven sidewalks
  • Icy or snow-covered walkways left untreated
  • Poor lighting in stairwells or parking structures
  • Damaged handrails or steps in public buildings
  • Unmaintained playground or park equipment

Whether in Glens Falls, Chestertown, or Miami Shores,  these hazards can cause serious injuries such as  fractures, head trauma, or long-term disability.

What You Need to Prove

To sue a city for personal injury, certain conditions must be met:

  • The dangerous condition existed on property owned or controlled by the city
  • The city either knew about the hazard or should have known
  • There was a reasonable opportunity to fix the issue, but no corrective action was taken
  • The hazardous condition directly caused your injury

Evidence is key. You may need to provi de photographic evidence, medical documentation, witness information, and a clear record of the harm and costs you have suffered .

Strict Deadlines for Filing Claims

Claims against city governments are subject to special rules and shorter timelines. In New York, for instance, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury. In Florida, you typically have to report your claim in detail within six months of the injury occurring.

Missing these deadlines can prevent any chance of recovery . It is critical to act quickly if you believe your injury was caused by municipal negligence.

City-Owned Property Accidents in Upstate NY and South Florida

A serious injury on public property can leave you dealing with pain, medical bills, and missed time from work. When a city fails to fix dangerous conditions, you should not have to bear the burden alone. Legal action may be your path toward fair compensation.

Schedule a consultation  today with a personal injury attorney who understands the unique process of filing a premises liability claim against a municipality. Contact our New York offices at 518-792-1174 or our Florida office at 305-751-8556 and get the guidance you need to protect your rights.

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