What to Do If You Were Injured in a Government Building

 Posted on January 25, 2024 in Personal Injury

Being injured in a government building because of negligence or unsafe conditions can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. If you suffered an injury in a state, federal, county, or city government building, there are important steps you should take to protect your rights and receive fair compensation. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can provide guidance on reporting the incident, documenting evidence, understanding liability laws, and moving forward with your claim.

Report the Incident Properly

If you are injured in a government building, your first priority should be seeking medical care. After ensuring your injuries are treated, you need to properly report what happened. Alert security guards, managers, or supervisors on the premises about when, where, and how you were injured. 

Ask them to prepare an official incident report with statements from witnesses. Be clear about listing exactly how the dangerous condition occurred and any safety protocols that were not followed. Get copies of these documents for later reference.

Document Evidence Thoroughly

Besides reporting protocols, be sure you take steps to document critical evidence. If another person’s negligence, such as a wet floor without warning signs, caused you to slip and fall, take photos of the hazard. Get contact details of anyone who saw you fall or helped afterward. Save any clothing damaged in the incident. Ask building management to preserve security camera footage that may have captured the injury. Having solid proof is vital when filing an injury claim.

Understand Government Liability Laws

Illinois sets a strict one-year deadline for submitting written notice to a state or local government before you initiate a lawsuit, assuming the entity does not resolve your claim during the notice period. This one-year deadline is crucial because if you fail to meet it, you may lose your right to pursue compensation from the government entity. It is also important to note that this deadline is shorter than the typical statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Illinois, which is generally two years.

Contact a Decatur, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

Suffering an injury on government-owned or occupied property can lead to enduring physical harm and emotional stress. Following these guidelines puts you in a stronger legal position to gain the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost income, disability, and pain inflicted by unsafe premises. Work with a Champaign, IL, personal injury attorney to get personalized help for your specific case. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.