Cracked sidewalks, uneven pavement, and broken curbs are more than just eyesores — they’re accidents waiting to happen. When a fall like that causes serious injury, many Oklahomans wonder: can I sue the city?
At Aldridge Teasdale, we’ve helped clients across Oklahoma recover after dangerous public property accidents. Suing a city or municipality is possible, but it comes with unique rules and strict deadlines. Here’s what you need to know if a neglected sidewalk caused your injury.
1. The City Has a Duty to Maintain Public Sidewalks
Oklahoma law requires cities to maintain sidewalks, streets, and walkways in reasonably safe condition for public use. That includes fixing cracks, raised edges, and dangerous holes that could cause trips or falls.
However, local governments often delay repairs or ignore complaints — and that’s when accidents happen. If the city knew about a dangerous sidewalk and failed to fix it within a reasonable time, you may have grounds for a claim.
2. You Must Prove Negligence — and Notice
To hold a city liable, you’ll need to show two key things:
- The sidewalk was dangerous enough to pose an unreasonable risk.
- The city knew (or should have known) about the hazard and didn’t fix it.
Evidence is critical — photos, witness statements, and even prior complaints to city departments can make a difference. Many municipalities keep maintenance logs and inspection records that can be requested through legal discovery.
3. The Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act Applies
When suing a city or town, your case falls under the Oklahoma Governmental Tort Claims Act. This law protects government entities from most lawsuits — but it also sets clear exceptions and procedures for injury claims.
Here’s what’s different about these cases:
- You must file a formal Notice of Claim with the city or town clerk within one year of the incident.
- The city then has 90 days to respond or deny your claim.
- If denied, you have just 180 days to file a lawsuit in court.
Missing these deadlines means your claim is gone for good — even if your injuries are severe.
4. What You Can Recover
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and loss of earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
However, under Oklahoma law, damages against cities and public entities are capped — typically at $175,000 per person or $1,000,000 per incident, depending on the circumstances.
5. Why Legal Help Matters
Claims against cities and counties are complex. There are strict rules, tight deadlines, and plenty of red tape. Most people don’t realize how fast their right to sue can expire — or how to get the evidence needed to prove negligence.
Aldridge Teasdale has years of experience handling cases involving unsafe sidewalks, public walkways, and municipal property hazards. We know how to navigate the government’s procedures and hold cities accountable when they fail to keep their communities safe.
Get a Free Case Review Today
If you or someone you love was injured because of a broken or uneven sidewalk, don’t wait. Evidence fades and deadlines move fast under Oklahoma’s Tort Claims Act. Let us review your case, explain your options, and help you take action.
Request your Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT. Aldridge Teasdale proudly stands up for Oklahoma residents injured by unsafe sidewalks, streets, and public property.
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