Under the Local Government and Governmental Employee Tort Immunity Act (the Act), public institutions such as Illinois government agencies, city governments, and recreational districts are immune from lawsuits. Historically, the purpose of the Act was to help the government operate efficiently without burdensome lawsuits. Generally, the Act protects public and government agencies from lawsuits stemming from negligence related to their operations.
However, several exceptions exist that waive the government’s immunity. Some exceptions are straight forward; however, some situations do not fall squarely within the enumerated exceptions. Moreover, the law imposes enhanced procedural requirements and damage caps on plaintiffs who file claims against the government in certain cases. Injury victims who wish to recover against a negligent city government agency or their employee must thoroughly and effectively gather and present evidence to support their lawsuits.
Lawsuits against the government often stem from injuries that the victim suffered on public property. Public property includes places such as city parking lots, city parks, public playgrounds, city buildings, public intersections, and city buses. In most cases, the law requires that the city does not act negligently; however, depending on the type of accident, the city may only have a duty not to act recklessly. Some common reasons people file lawsuits against the city stem from injuries related to city car and bus accidents, construction accidents, damages stemming from poorly lit streets or damaged sidewalks, and accidents at dangerous intersections.
For example, recently, a local news agency provided the public with an update regarding a man that suffered critical injuries while waiting at a Chicago crosswalk. Surveillance videos and police reports indicate that the man was waiting at a pedestrian intersection when a car struck him and pinned him underneath a train. The vehicle was crossing train tracks when the crossing gate went down on the vehicle’s trunk. The driver attempted to reverse but then drove forward into the path of the train. The train pushed the car into the pedestrian, waiting at the crosswalk. Officials report that the intersection is the site of four other collisions, and many people have notified the city of the inherent dangerousness of the crossing gate. The train spokesperson told reporters that they are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Have You Suffered Injuries Because of the Negligence of an Illinois Government Agency?
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in an Illinois slip and fall accident on government property or due to the negligence of a government employee, contact the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. for immediate assistance. Lawsuits against the government are typically complicated and present plaintiffs with major burdens. These cases require extensive in-depth knowledge regarding various tort statutes and case law. The attorneys at our firm possess the unique skills and experience that these claims entail. We have successfully represented thousands of injury victims and helped them recover the damages they deserve. Damages in these cases may cover losses related to property damage, medical bills, ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, and funeral and burial expenses. Contact our office at 312- 924-7575 to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney at our law firm.