Sidewalks are supposed to be safe. But when a crack, raised edge, or crumbling section causes you to trip and fall, the injury can change your life for the worse. Many people don’t realize how complicated it can be to hold the city responsible for something as basic as a broken sidewalk.

The city might be liable after an injury on a public sidewalk, but only under specific circumstances. Unlike private property owners, government agencies have legal protections that can block or limit your right to sue, except in certain circumstances and only when you follow strict rules.

If you’ve been hurt on public property, talk to the skilled Michigan slip and fall lawyers at Fieger Law right away. We can help you understand your rights and next steps.

What Is Sovereign Immunity?

Sovereign immunity is a legal concept that protects government agencies from being sued in the same way as private individuals or businesses. It says you cannot file a lawsuit against a city or other public body unless it agrees to be sued.

The idea behind sovereign immunity is to conserve public resources and avoid disruptions to essential services. However, those legal barriers also make it harder for injured individuals to hold the government accountable when it or its employees harm people through negligence.

If you were hurt because of a defective city sidewalk, working with an attorney who understands how municipal premises liability cases work is crucial. Reach out to Fieger Law today to learn your legal rights and what options you may have for filing a claim.

When Can a City Be Held Responsible for Sidewalk Accidents?

To sue the city after a sidewalk trip-and-fall, you first need to prove that the city knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it within a reasonable time.

That includes showing:

  • There was a defect in the sidewalk (such as a crack, uplift, or missing section).
  • The defect was unreasonably dangerous, and not something minor or easy to overlook.
  • The city had actual or constructive notice of the problem (meaning they knew about it or should have known through regular inspections).
  • The city had time to fix it but didn’t.

Missing just one of these steps, even with a serious injury, could cause your case to be thrown out before it starts.

Too often, injured pedestrians don’t realize how strict these rules are until it’s too late. Cities rarely admit fault without a fight, and without the right legal strategy, your claim could disappear before it ever sees court.

Fieger Law knows what it takes to prove city negligence. We have years of experience with government claims and can help you win fair compensation for medical bills and lost income.

Challenges With Government Claims

Suing a city is not the same as filing a typical injury claim. Strict legal rules apply, and even small mistakes can lead to dismissal.

These claims often involve:

  • Short Deadlines: Claims against government entities often come with much shorter time limits, typically only a few months. Missing the window can bar you from filing a claim.
  • Strict Paperwork Requirements: Many cities require formal notice of intent to sue, also known as a Notice of Claim, to be sent before a lawsuit can be filed. This document must contain exact details, including the date, location, and type of injury. Mistakes or missing information can cause an automatic denial.
  • Strong Evidence: Building your case takes strong evidence, and getting it isn’t always easy. To protect your claim, collect these items:
    • Photographs of the sidewalk defect, ideally from the day of your fall
    • Medical records showing how the injury affected your life
    • Witness statements from anyone who saw what happened
    • City maintenance records or reports showing prior complaints

Our team can help you act fast and build a strong foundation for your case.

Why You Need a Lawyer With Experience in Government Liability

Cities have legal teams, insurance adjusters, and detailed procedures to limit their responsibility. You need an attorney who knows how to build a case that holds up under pressure.

At Fieger Law, our qualified trip and fall attorneys:

  • Collect time-sensitive evidence before it’s lost or the sidewalk is repaired
  • Bring in experts to examine the dangerous section of the sidewalk to support your claim
  • Calculate the full value of your injuries, including long-term costs
  • Handle negotiations with the city and its legal team
  • Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Fieger Law knows how to take on public liability cases, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Get Skilled Legal Support With Fieger Law

Fieger Law has the experience and the grit to take on City Hall. If you’ve been injured due to a dangerous sidewalk, we’re ready to cut through the red tape and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team knows how to manage complex government claims and won’t back down when the stakes are high.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today, and let us help you gather the evidence you need to prove your case.