Many people believe that injury victims are prohibited from suing a public institution for negligence. This is a misconception, leading many people to ask the question, can you sue a city for negligence?
In some instances, a city, state, or municipality engages in negligent behavior, resulting in someone’s harm. When this happens, how can you sue a city for negligence?
Personal injury lawsuits against individuals and businesses are common. Legal claims against public institutions are less typical. Still, there are some circumstances in which cities can be held liable for negligence.
When a government employee performs a negligent action that causes harm or loss, the victim may be entitled to compensation. Some examples of situations that might result in a negligence lawsuit against a city or government institution include the following:
Traffic Accidents
When a government employee causes a motor vehicle collision, the employing public institution may be held responsible. For example, suppose that a public works vehicle operator runs a stop sign and an accident occurs as a result.
If someone sustains a personal injury in the collision, they may have grounds for a tort claim against the public works agency. Victims can pursue financial damages to cover their monetary and personal losses.
Falling Accidents
Falling accidents can happen anywhere. When someone slips or trips and falls because of dangerous conditions, those responsible can be held legally liable.
If a falling accident occurs in or near a government building, the relevant agency may be held accountable. For example, suppose that a visitor trips and falls in a city hall building because of debris in a walkway.
Negligent Government Security
When you visit a government building, you should expect to be reasonably safe. If the building’s security personnel are negligent, people may experience accidents or injury as a result.
An instance of assault resulting from inadequate or substandard government security may invoke a tort claim against the city. Speak with one of the Morgan & Morgan attorneys if you have been injured as the result of negligent security personnel.
Medical Malpractice
Public healthcare providers are required to offer patients a reasonable standard of professional care. This is also true of physicians who have partnered with Medicaid and Medicare programs.
Medical professionals who work for Veterans Affairs or other government agencies are also required to provide reliable care. When one of these physicians engages in malpractice, the associated government agency can be held liable for the resulting harm.
Some of the most common examples of medical malpractice resulting in legal claims include the following:
- Misdiagnosis
- Failure to diagnose
- Failure to order appropriate labs or tests
- Inappropriate medication or dosage prescription
- Surgery errors or wrong-site surgeries
- Anesthesia errors
If a doctor associated with a government agency has been negligent and caused you harm, do not wait. Reach out to the accomplished legal team at Morgan & Morgan to explore your legal rights and options.