Sample Dangerous Conditions Letter

Under Missouri law, before local governments can be held liable for dangerous conditions they have to know about them. Knowledge can be actual or constructive. This form is designed to give them actual knowledge so someone who is injured does not have to prove constructive knowledge. Let's hope this works to generate action and prevent injuries.

Whenever you send a complaint about a dangerous condition, send copies to the City Attorney and the Risk Manager or the City Manager. Keep a copy for your records and hope no one ever has to use it. Use this caption and language:

NOTICE OF DANGEROUS CONDITION

Under RSMo 537.600, you are hereby placed on actual notice of a dangerous condition of public property. The following condition on your property creates a substantial risk of injury when your property is used with due care in a manner in which it is reasonably foreseeable that it will be used:

[describe the condition and the precise location]

[give your name, address, date]