Legal Question in Personal Injury in Arizona

slip and fall in jail

A friend of mine sprainged their ankle while incarcerated.

He went to medical where they (nurse) wrapped his ankle and gave him crutches to get around on. They did not move him onto a floor which didnt have steps (12 of them) on his pod. He was attempting to walk up the stairs, at about the 8th step he fell backwards. He is now in a neck brace and wheelchair due to his fall. The paramedics had to be called in to remove him from the floor. He has since then been moved to a floor without steps. What rights does he have? Can he file a lawsuit of some sort against the jail?

If so, what type of lawsuit? What steps does he need to take?

Thank you in advance,

A concerned friend.


Asked on 10/26/03, 1:41 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Adam Studnicki Studnicki Law Firm, P.C.

Re: slip and fall in jail

Your friend may have a negligence claim against the owner of the jail (city, county, etc.) and maybe also against certain employees of the jail. Your friend should keep in mind that, in order to bring a personal injury claim in Arizona against an Arizona governmental entity (which is likely the case here), a formal notice of claim must be made and served within six months of the accident, and a lawsuit must be filed within one year of the accident. Your friend should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

[This communication is informational only. It is not legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.]

Read more
Answered on 10/26/03, 11:15 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Arizona