Is the City of Pittsburgh Responsible for Your Injuries at Point State Park?
Positioned at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Whether you’re hiking, boating, or enjoying the Fort Pitt Museum, the park is a unique destination in the middle of downtown Pittsburgh. If your visit to the park takes an unfortunate turn and you suffer a slip and fall injury, you might not be sure where the legal responsibility lies.
Before proceeding, it is important to understand how the law applies if you’ve been harmed in a fall on the park’s property.
- Premises liability — Like other property owners, the state is responsible for maintaining safe premises to prevent patrons from being hurt. Hiking trails, boats, and other parts of the park may contain numerous hidden hazards. If reasonable measures were not taken to protect a victim from the type of injury they suffered, a legal claim can be brought.
- Special events — During special events, the state works cooperatively with the City of Pittsburgh to ensure proper security and legal protection. To hold a wedding, concert, or other type of function in the park, the city must issue a Special Events Permit that certifies the sponsor has sufficient liability insurance. If someone is hurt during an event, legal action might be taken against the organizer.
- Pennsylvania Sovereign Immunity Act — When suing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the City of Pittsburgh, special rules apply. Within six months of the injury, you must send written notification to the relevant government authority that you are filing a claim.
If you have been hurt in a fall in Point State Park or some other Pittsburgh location, an experienced attorney can help you evaluate your legal rights. The McClelland Law Group, P.C. represents Pennsylvania clients in premises liability and other personal injury litigation. Please call 412-483-1855 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at our downtown office, located two blocks from the Pittsburgh City-County Building.