Slipping on a city sidewalk, tripping on broken pavement near Campus Corner, or falling inside a public building may feel like “just an accident.” But the truth is, these incidents can leave Norman residents with serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and months of recovery time — all caused by unsafe public property.
At Aldridge Teasdale, we believe in something simple: when a city or public authority fails to maintain safe property, the people of Norman shouldn’t be left holding the bill. Here’s what you need to know about the real cost of slipping on public property — and what rights you have when it happens.
Why Slips and Falls on Public Property Are So Serious
Falls on public land can be far more dangerous than people realize. Uneven concrete, icy walkways, broken curbs, or poorly lit steps can cause injuries such as:
- Broken wrists or ankles
- Knee or shoulder tears
- Head injuries or concussions
- Back and spinal injuries
- Long-term mobility problems
These injuries often lead to long-term consequences — missed work, medical debt, reduced mobility, and chronic pain.
Common Places Where Norman Residents Get Hurt
Some of the most frequent slip-and-fall locations in Norman involve public spaces that should be maintained safely, including:
- City sidewalks with uneven slabs or tree-root damage
- Sidewalks and crosswalks near OU campus and Campus Corner
- Parks and recreational areas like Andrews Park, Reaves Park, and Legacy Trail
- Public buildings, including libraries and municipal offices
- Parking lots adjacent to schools and city facilities
When these areas are not repaired or properly maintained, accidents become predictable — and preventable.
Is the City of Norman Responsible?
Potentially — but municipal liability works differently than private slip and fall cases. In Oklahoma, claims against a city fall under the Governmental Tort Claims Act (GTCA). That means:
- You must follow strict notice and filing deadlines
- You only have one year to bring the claim
- Your initial notice must be properly submitted to the correct city office
- Damages may be capped in certain situations
If you miss a deadline, your case can be barred completely — even if the city was clearly negligent.
The Real Financial Cost of a Public Property Slip and Fall
Even a seemingly minor fall can spiral into significant expenses, including:
- Emergency room treatment
- X-rays, MRIs, or specialist visits
- Physical therapy or surgery
- Lost wages from missed work
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
- Long-term rehabilitation
When the city’s negligence caused the hazard, you shouldn’t have to shoulder these costs alone.
How We Prove Negligence in Public Property Cases
Our team investigates public property claims by:
- Documenting the hazard immediately
- Collecting photographs, witness statements, and weather history
- Reviewing city maintenance logs and prior complaints
- Determining whether the city had notice of the dangerous condition
- Identifying which department or contractor was responsible
Public entities often deny fault initially — but strong evidence and proper legal procedure can turn a denied claim into a successful recovery.
Don’t Let the City’s Mistake Become Your Burden
If you slipped on public property in Norman, you may feel unsure whether the city is responsible or whether your case is valid. That’s exactly why it’s important to talk to an attorney early — especially with strict deadlines under the GTCA.
You deserve clarity, answers, and a legal team that understands how public liability cases work in Norman.
Request a Free Case Review Today
If you were injured because of unsafe public property, we’re here to help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Request your Free Case Review or call (405) 447-HURT to speak with a Norman slip and fall attorney today.
Internal Link: Norman Slip and Fall Lawyer
