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What Happens if a Rusted City Light Post Falls and Causes Injury?

Published on Nov 12, 2020 at 7:54 pm in Personal Injury.

Lit black lamp post with dark blue sky background

In March of 2020, a 25-year-old Chicago woman suffered from a serious concussion when a light pole that was rusted at its base started falling and crashed through her windshield. Originally, the Chicago Police tried to say that she crashed into the pole which caused it to fall, but the police report proves differently. CBS2 Chicago reports that rusted light poles are an issue that has been a danger in the city for years now, causing the poles to fall and potentially injure nearby pedestrians and motorists.

This wasn’t the first time that a rusted city light pole fell on its own and injured a citizen—just the most recent. In November of 2019, another woman was injured in the Loop by a falling light pole. CBS2 Chicago reports that there have been nearly 8,000 complaints of leaning or falling poles to the city since 2014. There have been almost 500 reports of property damage and 75 reports of injury from the rusted city light posts.

If you have suffered from property damage and injury from these falling city light poles, then you could have a personal injury claim. The lawyers at Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys in Chicago can help you file your claim and support you through the entire legal process.

Injuries Caused by Rusted City Light Posts Falling

Our city has voiced that it has a four-year plan to replace rusted light poles around Chicago. They claim that they’ve replaced over 4,000 rusted and damaged light poles thus far but have a long way to go since there are over 270,000 outdated light poles in the city. Unfortunately, many outdated city lamp posts are in disrepair and rusted and are at great risk of falling over and injuring residents and visitors.

When a rusted city light post falls, it can cause serious injuries. Light posts are tall, metal, and can carry a great force when they fall, which can cause an impact that inflicts damage to property and injuries that can even be deadly. Here are some of the injuries that fallen city lights can cause when the bottom has rusted out:

  • Internal injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Hip injuries
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Paralysis
  • Death

While most falling lamp posts don’t hit a person, or only fall into an empty street, it’s possible that one could hit you and cause you harm. Let’s take a look at what happens if a falling lamp post injures you.

Your Legal Options if a Rusted City Light Post Injures You

When a city light post falls because it is rusted, the city may be liable. The city is expected to maintain fixtures like light posts and keep them up to date and safe. Since the light posts become old and rusted, and then lean and fall and become unsafe, it is the city’s responsibility because they were supposed to repair the posts to keep them from causing damage.

It’s important to call 911 if a light post falls and injures you because they can dispatch the police and paramedics. Having the police on the scene will ensure that a police report is filed that details what caused the fall and the damages.

Having paramedics on the scene will provide you with preliminary medical treatment that documents any injuries you might have sustained from the post. They can also refer you to other medical professionals if your injuries are more serious so you can get further treatment and documentation.

Both reports will help you later if you choose to file a claim against the City of Chicago for their negligence or willful and wanton conduct in not repairing the rusted and dangerous light post. Taking legal action against a government entity can be complicated but having a lawyer on your side can ensure that you are supported and present a strong case so you can receive the justice you deserve.

Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys Will Defend You

In Chicago, rusted light posts pose a serious threat to the people near them if they fall. If you’ve been injured by a light post or other piece of city infrastructure, Krzak Rundio Gorman, Injury Attorneys may be able to represent you against the city and ensure that you can recover from the injuries. Contact us today so we can determine how to help you move forward.

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