If you sustain a slip and fall injury in Dubuque due to the negligence of the property owner, you are entitled to file a compensation claim. However, your case will be more complicated if the property is owned by the government. Government entities use an old legal doctrine called sovereign immunity as a means of protecting themselves against personal injury claims. Then again, this privilege can be bypassed with the help of slip and fall injury attorneys in Dubuque.
Sovereign Immunity in the Past and Present
In the past, sovereign immunity gave government entities complete protection against personal injury claims. This means that people were not allowed to sue the government for injuries that occurred on its properties or resulted from the negligence of its employees. Nonetheless, the immunity was eased with the passing of the Federal Tort Claims Act in 1948. One state after another, including Iowa, began to establish their own tort claims acts, allowing people who are injured on state or city properties, or by government employees to seek compensation.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim Against the Government
Despite the fact that sovereign immunity is effectively eased, it is generally more difficult to win a personal injury case against the government than a private property owner. To increase your chances of success, it is essential that you consult slip and fall injury attorneys in Dubuque. Slip and fall attorneys will know how to assess your personal injury damages accurately to ensure that you will get the highest amount of compensation possible. Also, they will help you put together a strong case by performing thorough investigations to prove government negligence and deliver a convincing argument in court.
The success of your slip and fall claim depends on the expertise and experience of the attorney you choose. As such, you should make a point to consult slip and fall injury attorneys in Dubuque who have an extensive track record of success in winning this kind of case.
Established in 1980, Tom Riley Law Firm has successfully represented numerous personal injury victims in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Dubuque, and other parts of Iowa. To date, it has helped its clients obtain over $300 million in compensation.