Falling on government property can leave you with medical bills and lost wages. New Jersey law lets you seek payment for injuries on state, county or city property. But you must act fast and follow strict rules to make a valid claim.
What the New Jersey Tort Claims Act means for you
The New Jersey Tort Claims Act sets the rules for suing government agencies. You’ll need to show the agency that they knew about unsafe conditions but failed to fix them. Your injury must also be severe and long-lasting to qualify for payment.
Steps to file your government injury claim
You have 90 days after your fall to send a Notice of Claim to the right agency. Here’s what your notice must include:
- When and where you fell
- How you got hurt
- Which agency owns the property
- How much money you want
- Your name and contact details
After you send this notice, you must wait six months before you can sue. During this time, the agency will check your claim and may offer to settle.
To build a strong case, immediately take photos of what caused your fall. Get the names of anyone who saw what happened. Keep all medical bills and records that show your injuries.
Going up against a government agency takes extra work since they have special protections under the law. State laws limit how much you can get paid, and many claims get denied. A lawyer who handles government injury cases can guide you through the process and help protect your rights to fair payment. The right legal team knows these special rules and deadlines, giving you the best shot at getting the money you deserve for your injuries.