City parks are vital public assets, offering opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor spaces of all sizes and designs. However, accidents occur every year in public parks. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with proper maintenance and oversight. When accidents happen due to negligence or carelessness, a premises liability claim may be filed against the responsible party. If an accident occurs in a public park, the city is likely to bear responsibility. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’ve been injured in a city park, call the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
A Real-Life Example of a City Park Incident
Consider this example: At Griffith Park in Los Angeles, a child was playing when he slipped on a drainage pipe and became stuck hanging from a broken board. Thankfully, the child was rescued, but the terrifying news is that he was trapped for 12 hours and was eventually found more than a mile away from the pipe where he had fallen. Reports revealed that the accident was caused by an improperly secured sewer system that was not in use.
Ways You Can Be Injured in a City Park
Injuries in city-managed parks can happen in a variety of locations, including basketball courts, playgrounds, tennis courts, pools, beaches, running trails, and more. When the city is responsible for managing these spaces, it is also responsible for keeping them safe.
However, if the city fails in its duty and someone gets injured, there is typically a limited time—usually six months—to file a claim. Several avenues for compensation may be available. For example, the case might fall under premises liability if the city neglected to maintain the property or failed to eliminate potential hazards.
This means it is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure the safety of all users and guests. In some situations, active supervision may also be required but not provided. For instance, in the case of a drowning in a public pool, you might have grounds to file a claim against the person responsible for pool maintenance if negligence was involved.
Call the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to find out if your incident warrants a legal claim or lawsuit. We offer a free legal consultation to help you fully understand your rights and options.