What Happens if I Slip and Fall at a Gainesville Park?

The City of Gainesville has many parks for residents and visitors to enjoy. Our parks offer a variety of activities and environments to enjoy. Unfortunately, a slip and fall at a Gainesville Park could cause severe injuries and long-term impairments. 

Slip and Fall Accident Claims in Gainesville, FL

A slip and fall accident is typically filed as a premises liability claim. Property owners in Florida have a duty to provide safe premises for people entering their property. If hazardous or dangerous conditions cause someone to be injured, the property owner can be held liable for damages.

Premises liability laws apply to residential and commercial property. They can also apply to public property. To prove liability for a slip and fall at a Gainesville park, you would need to prove the following:

  • The City of Gainesville owns and/or maintains the city park;
  • The city knew or should have reasonably known of a hazard or dangerous condition on the city park property; 
  • The city breached the duty of care by failing to correct the issue and/or warn the public of the danger;
  • The hazard or danger was the direct and proximate cause of your injury; and,
  • You sustained damages because of the slip and fall at a Gainesville park.

After falling at a city park, seeking medical treatment for your injuries is essential. You must prove that your injuries were caused by the fall. Therefore, prompt medical care after a fall is essential.

Additionally, call a Gainesville slip and fall lawyer for legal advice. Suing the city for negligence differs from suing an individual or company. Special deadlines and rules govern slip and fall claims for injuries on public property and government buildings. 

Common Injuries Caused by Slip & Fall Accidents at a City Park

Insurance adjusters often downplay slip and fall accidents as “minor accidents.” However, a slip and fall accident can cause serious injuries. Common injuries caused by a fall include:

Secondary infections and other complications from fall injuries could create life-threatening conditions. Additionally, a victim might sustain permanent impairments from brain injuries, broken bones, and back injuries. 

Filing a Slip and Fall Claim Against the City of Gainesville 

Government entities are protected from lawsuits by sovereign immunity. A government cannot be sued without its permission. Sovereign immunity protects state, county, and city government agencies from being sued for personal injury damages.

However, Florida laws waive sovereign immunity so that you can sue agencies and entities, including:

  • Executive departments
  • Cities, counties, and municipalities
  • Corporations acting as agencies for a government entity
  • State Universities 

Before filing a lawsuit for a slip and fall in a Gainesville park, you must follow the rules for filing a claim with the Florida Department of Financial Services. The notice of claim must be filed within three years of the injury date. If the state denies the claim, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the city. 

What Damages Can I Receive for a Slip and Fall Claim in Gainesville?

In a slip and fall claim, you can receive compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. However, compensation is capped at $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident for a personal injury claim against the government. The Florida legislature must approve all amounts above the cap before they can be paid to the injured victim.

What Should I Do if I Fall at a City Park in Gainesville, FL?

The steps you take after an injury at a city park can help you win a personal injury lawsuit. If you slip, trip, and fall in a city park in Florida, you should:

  • Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. If necessary, call 911 for EMS or go to the emergency room.
  • Document the accident scene by taking pictures and making a video of the area. Make sure you capture the reason for your fall. For example, take photographs of holes or broken pavement that caused you to fall.
  • Ask witnesses for their names and contact numbers. Eyewitness testimony can help prove that the conditions at the park caused your injuries.
  • Seek legal advice as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer with experience suing the government helps you take steps to protect your rights.

If an insurance adjuster or city official contacts you for a statement, refer them to your personal injury lawyer. Making a written or recorded statement without legal advice could hurt your case. Instead, it is best to let your lawyer handle all the matters related to the injury claim, especially when dealing with claims against the government. 

Contact Our Gainesville Slip and Fall Accident Law Firm in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville slip and fall accident lawyers at Allen Law Firm at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Firm, P.A. – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258