Can You File a Claim After Being Injured in a California State Park?
As with any outdoor activity, exploring California State Parks has its hazards. Even if you are a seasoned visitor, you may come across unmaintained trials, unfamiliar or hazardous conditions, or other risks that result in damages. However, seeking a claim against the government is complex and requires the legal guidance of a highly qualified premises liability lawyer.
If you have been injured at a California State Park, the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. will help you handle all aspects of your claim, from filing a notice of claim and responding appropriately and timely to seeking the compensation you deserve for your injuries. State governments have a responsibility to keep lawful visitors safe. If negligence is to blame for the damages you suffered, our legal team will fight for your rights every step of the way.
Injury Liability in California State Parks
Generally, government entities that oversee and are responsible for State Parks have the protection of “sovereign immunity,” which means they cannot be sued without its consent. However, governments still have a legal obligation to keep lawful visitors safe when visiting their properties. When entities fail to keep you safe due to negligence, they may be liable for subsequent damages.
Due to the wide array of activities in State Parks, various negligent acts on the part of the entity can lead to injuries, especially if the following elements can be proven:
- The government owns the property where the injury occurred.
- The government entity responsible for the property was cognizant of the potential danger and did not mitigate it.
- You suffered injuries because of the government’s negligence to adequately address the hazardous condition.
If you were injured because of government negligence at a State Park, you have the right to seek a personal injury claim against the state. At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we help to prove negligence and fight for the justice you deserve.
2 Steps to File a Claim After Being Injured in a California State Park
One must follow a specific procedure to file a lawsuit against the State of California or a specific government agency. Under the California Tort Claims Act, the process for filing a claim against a government entity takes the following steps:
- Filing a notice of claim: Initially, you must file a “notice of claim.” This provides the state a notification that there was an incident that could potentially lead to a lawsuit. Contact the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. for more information regarding filing a notice of claim.
- Proceeding with a lawsuit: The state has a limited amount of time to reply once your notice is filed. How the state responds determines your next step and how long you have to make it. An experienced premises liability lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit based on the state’s response to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines or statutes of limitation.
To achieve a favorable outcome in a premise liability claim, you must seek medical attention right away, document your injuries, and gather various types of evidence to demonstrate a breach of duty of care by the government.
Speak With the Personal Injury Lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. Today
If you were injured in a California State Park due to negligence, it is possible to file a claim against a government entity. Seeking legal guidance from the lawyers at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. maximizes your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome. We have over 30 years of experience helping California residents seek justice for their tangible and intangible losses, and we are prepared to fight for you.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (916) 970-9100 or filling out a contact form.
