Point Defiance Park is one of Tacoma’s most popular attractions. With its beautiful gardens, walking trails, zoo, and waterfront views, it’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon. However, like any public space, accidents can happen — and if you’re hurt because of unsafe conditions, you may be wondering who’s responsible and what your next steps should be. Keep reading to learn more.
Common Injuries That Can Happen at Point Defiance
Slipping on wet pavement, tripping over uneven walkways, or getting hurt by unsafe structures can all lead to serious injuries.
Some of the most common park-related injuries include:
- Broken bones from slips or falls
- Head injuries from falling objects or poor maintenance
- Cuts and bruises from unsafe playgrounds or benches
- Animal bites or injuries from pet owners not following park rules
Whether it’s a simple sprain or something more serious like a concussion or spinal injury, it’s important to take your injury seriously — even if it seems minor at first.
Who Could Be Responsible?
When you’re hurt on public property like Point Defiance Park, figuring out who’s liable isn’t always easy. The park is managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, a government agency responsible for its operation. That means different rules apply compared to a regular personal injury claim against a private business or individual.
To recover compensation, you’ll typically need to show that the agency was negligent — that is, they knew (or should have known) about a dangerous condition and didn’t fix it. Examples might include:
- Failing to repair broken stairs or railings
- Not cleaning up slippery paths or spills
- Poor lighting or signage
- Ignoring reports of unsafe areas or maintenance needs
If your injury involved another person — such as a dog owner or cyclist acting recklessly — they could also be held partially or fully responsible.
What Compensation Could I Recover?
If your injury happened because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for losses like:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the injury
Every case is different, and the amount you can recover depends on how serious your injuries are and how much they’ve affected your life.
Steps to Take Right After Your Injury
If you’ve been hurt at Point Defiance Park, here are some important steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical help. Even if you feel okay, it’s best to get checked out. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
- Report the incident. If you can, report the accident to park staff or call 911 if it’s serious.
- Take photos. Document the scene, your injuries, and anything that may have caused the accident (like broken concrete or a missing sign).
- Get witness information. If anyone witnessed the incident, ask for their name and contact information.
- Avoid admitting fault. It’s okay to be polite, but don’t apologize or suggest you might be partly to blame — those words can be used against you later.
- Contact a lawyer. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you build a strong claim.
Taking these steps early can significantly impact your ability to protect your rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Claims Involving Government Property Have Short Deadlines
Since Point Defiance Park is managed by Metro Parks Tacoma, a municipal government agency, injury claims involving the park must follow Washington’s rules for claims against public entities.
Under Washington law, you generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, before you can sue Metro Parks Tacoma, you’re required to file a formal notice of claim with the agency. You must then wait at least 60 days before filing a lawsuit in court.
If you skip this step or miss the deadline, your case could be dismissed — even if your injury was clearly caused by negligence.
Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation With a Tacoma Premises Liability Lawyer
If you’ve been injured at Point Defiance Park or any public property in Tacoma, WA, don’t wait to get help. The legal team at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer understands what you’re going through and is here to help you explore your options.
For more information, contact an experienced premises liability lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700A, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225