Can I Sue the Government for My Injuries in Illinois?

 Posted on November 26, 2024 in Personal Injury

Local, state, and federal government agencies manage many parts of America’s infrastructure. They are responsible for public schools, universities, and services like water treatment, law enforcement, public transportation, trash removal, and road maintenance. Like other organizations, government agencies and their employees can sometimes cause accidents that result in injuries.

Are government agencies protected against being sued, or can you recover compensation if their negligence injures you? Are claims against the government complicated? A knowledgeable Springfield attorney from Kanoski Bresney can evaluate your case during a free consultation.

How Can a Government Agency Cause Accidents and Injuries?

Anyone can make a mistake, even government agencies and employees. Dangerous negligence can result from many governmental sources, including:

• Employees: If a government employee acts with willful and reckless negligence, and this leads to injuries, the employee and their agency can be held responsible. Examples include police officers using excessive force, trash crews injuring someone during collection, or water treatment staff using unsafe procedures.

• Premises: Office buildings, public parks, parking garages, swimming pools, and other facilities operated by a government entity should be safe and maintained to protect visitors from harm. Hazards like poor lighting, missing stairway handrails, slick or uneven floors, lack of proper security, and faulty elevators can lead to injuries.

• Roads: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, broken pavement, and road construction zones can cause motor vehicle collisions.

• Schools: College campuses or public schools can be sites for accidents, including assaults due to poor security, food poisoning, lack of student supervision, unsafe buildings and grounds, and inadequate sports equipment. Teachers, principals, coaches, maintenance staff, and the school could be liable.

• Vehicles: Vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, road construction and maintenance vehicles, public trains and buses, and trash trucks, are operated by government employees. Accidents caused by driver errors, poor vehicle maintenance, or other negligence may give you grounds for a claim.

Handling a claim against a government employee or agency alone can be difficult. Working with an experienced lawyer from Kanoski Bresney improves your chances of reaching a successful outcome.

Why Are Claims Against the Government Complicated?

Even if government immunity does not apply to your case, claims against a government entity have strict protocols and procedures. You will need strong evidence to establish negligence. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years in Illinois, but the filing deadline is usually only one year when a government agency is involved. Exceptions may apply. This probably sounds confusing, but do not worry – your lawyer from Kanoski Bresney understands what to do and how to do it.

A successful settlement or verdict against a government entity might include:

• Lost wages

• Medical treatment costs

• Property damage

• Replacement services

Unlike other personal injury claims, you cannot receive compensation for pain and suffering or other non-economic losses from the government. However, your legal team from Kanoski Bresney will work to ensure you receive the highest amount available.

Discuss Your Case With Our Skilled Decatur, IL Government Liability Lawyers

With over 40 years of experience handling personal injury claims, Kanoski Bresney can assist with your claim against a government agency. Call us at 888-826-8682 for your free consultation with our dedicated Bloomington, IL personal injury attorneys.