Suing the City of Philadelphia

Approachable Injury Lawyer Based in King of Prussia Handling Claims Against the City of Philadelphia

Injury claims involving the City of Philadelphia can become highly complex, especially when the city denies responsibility for an accident. Without proper legal guidance, injury victims risk undermining their own claims due to preventable mistakes. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the city government's negligence, contact our King of Prussia personal injury attorney for legal help today.

At Neuwirth Law Office, LLC, we have over 15 years of experience in personal injury litigation. Attorney Andrew Neuwirth is ready to pursue legal action against local and state government entities after an accident resulting in injury, fighting for full compensation on your behalf.

When Can You Sue the City of Philadelphia for an Injury?

Suing the City of Philadelphia is not as simple as suing a private individual or business. Under Pennsylvania's Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act, local governments are generally protected from lawsuits, but the law carves out specific exceptions. You may be able to sue the city if your injury resulted from a dangerous road condition, a poorly maintained sidewalk, a defective traffic signal, or a hazard in a city-owned building.

Injuries caused by the negligent operation of a city vehicle, such as a police car, garbage truck, or maintenance vehicle, can also fall within one of these exceptions. The city can likewise be held responsible for injuries caused by trees or utility poles it knew were dangerous but failed to address. These exceptions are narrow and specific, so it is worth having an attorney review the facts of your case closely before assuming you do or do not have a valid claim.

SEPTA Injury Claims

SEPTA operates buses, trolleys, and trains throughout the Philadelphia area, and injuries on its vehicles or property are common. As a government transportation authority, SEPTA has its own set of legal protections that can differ from the rules that apply to the city itself. Claims against SEPTA often arise from bus or train accidents, slip-and-fall incidents at stations, or injuries caused by poorly maintained platforms and escalators.

SEPTA is a public authority, so claims against it typically follow a separate legal process with its own requirements and deadlines. An attorney familiar with these claims can help determine whether your situation qualifies and what steps need to be taken.

Notice Requirements in Philadelphia Government Injury Claims

Claims against the city and other government entities in Pennsylvania come with strict notice requirements that do not apply to typical, everyday personal injury cases. In many situations, you must notify the government agency in writing within six months of your accident, explaining the basic facts of what happened. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing your claim later, even if you file within the standard statute of limitations.

These notice periods are short compared to the usual two-year deadline for injury claims, so acting quickly after an accident involving the city or SEPTA is important.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Get for an Injury Claim Against the City of Philadelphia?

If your claim succeeds, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by your injury. However, Pennsylvania law places caps on the amount of money you can recover from a government entity, and these caps are generally lower than what might be available in a claim against a private party.

Contact a King of Prussia Injury Lawyer

Claims against the City of Philadelphia or SEPTA involve rules that are easy to misunderstand without legal guidance. At Neuwirth Law Office, LLC, we help clients navigate these complicated claims and pursue the compensation they deserve. Call 215-259-3687 or contact our King of Prussia, PA injury attorney to set up a free consultation.