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  • #1359340

    If someone who I know fell a few years ago in a park and broke a bone, are they allowed to sue the park?
    Another question- if some who I know slipped on ice and needed surgery for it , can they sue?
    The first two examples don’t have proof

    #1359421

    Bump

    #1359451
    CTLAWYER
    Participant

    Daddy’s girl>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..
    The first question that must be answered in both cases is:
    What is the statute of limitations in the jurisdiction. That sets out the time limits for filing lawsuits after an incident. It varies by jurisdictions, and also may vary by type of lawsuit.
    In some places it is two years, other states are three years. Please don’t ask for specific info on your state, as lawyers are not licensed country wide in the USA. I only maintain CT, MA and FL licenses at this point in my career. I can’t answer specific questions as you or the hurt person is not my client.

    The next question to ask is:
    Who owns the property where the injury occurred?
    For example, if the park is town owned, a suit can be filed against the town. If it was a state park, many states, including Connecticut, may not be sued without first gaining their permission, They have ‘sovereign immunity.’

    Just because someone is injured in a location, doesn’t mean the owner was negligent and that a lawsuit will be won.

    This is why a consultation with an attorney (they generally don’t charge for this first meeting to evaluate whether there is a case to pursue) is important.

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
    Let’s talk about the fall on the ice,
    The attorney will inquire whether there was a storm going on, or how long the fall occurred after the storm ended.
    Some communities give property owners anywhere from 4-24 hours after the end of a storm to clear ice and snow. That may be daylight hours, so that if a storm ends at 2 AM the clock starts ticking at 8 AM

    Did the person that fell see the path was not cleared and entered anyway. If so, contributory negligence may be a factor and in some states could reduce or eliminate the award in court.

    Did the person who fell notify the owner promptly?

    So many questions?

    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
    Basic answer, if you are within the statute of limitations and the entity is one that may be sued according to the law, you can sue. Will you win is quite a different question.

    #1359454

    Ok thank you!!!! 😊

    #1359604
    The Frumguy
    Participant

    Hi there, CTLawyer:

    Do you mind giving free consultations to readers of The Coffee Room? Isn’t that what you went to school to have a profession? If you don’t mind, may you continue doing many more chassadim.

    #1359598
    huju
    Participant

    In addition to the statute of limitations, in New York City, if you intend to sue the City, you must file a notice of claim within 30 days after the incident that is the topic of the suit. I have no idea whether any jurisdictions outside New York have similar requirements when suing government entities.

    #1359670
    CTLAWYER
    Participant

    @thefrumguy
    I write about basic legal issues in the CR. I don’t and can’t offer specific legal advice to non-clients. B”H I am nearing retirement from a long career and can afford to give advice of this nature without charge.
    I am careful to state the rules vary by jurisdiction and that I only carry licenses in CT, MA and FL.

    In this thread, huju, points out the 30 requirement to put NYC on notice of intent to sue. That is exactly the type of jurisdictional difference I warn about.

    I enjoy these discussions or I would not proffer experience in my profession.

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