If you are injured by a government entity, you can sue them just as if they were a private citizen or company. However, there are a few things that you should be aware of before you file a lawsuit. A Bexar County, Texas personal injury attorney can help you navigate this process and fight for the compensation that you and your family deserve.
When Can I Sue a Government Entity?
Generally, you can sue a government entity whenever it or its employees have caused you harm. This can be through negligence or through their actions. For example, if a state-owned vehicle driven by a government employee is involved in an accident, the government could be held accountable for the harm caused to other drivers and passengers involved in an accident. Another good example is if a government property is poorly maintained. If there are known slipping and tripping hazards and someone gets hurt, they could have a personal injury claim.
How Long Do I Have to Sue a Government Entity?
You never have an unlimited amount of time to file a personal injury lawsuit, but the window for legal action is even smaller when you are dealing with a government entity. In most cases, you must make your claim within six months of the injury occurring. Some cities have even shorter windows, like 45 days for the city of Austin and 90 days for the city of Houston.
So the bottom line is that if you want to sue a government entity, you will have to act fast. You also have to make sure that the notice that you send to them is filled out correctly and that it contains all of the relevant information, including:
- The damage or injury being claimed
- What happened during the incident
- The time and place that the incident occurred
A lawyer can file your claim for you and make sure that it is complete.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Collect?
When you sue a government entity for personal injury, you can be awarded damages that cover all sorts of expenses stemming from your accident. Your compensation should help make up for:
- The cost of past and future medical care
- The cost of repairing or replacing property, like a vehicle damaged in a collision
- Wages you lost because you missed work due to your injuries
There is a limitation on how much can be awarded though, depending on which kind of government entity you are suing.
Do I Need a Lawyer When I Sue a Government Entity?
It is advisable to have a lawyer when you are suing a government entity. Suing the government can be confusing since there are some unique rules to deal with. A lawyer can help you build an effective case and make sure that you do not miss any important deadlines.
Schedule a Consultation Today
So if you were injured and believe that a government entity is to blame, you need to act quickly and schedule a consultation with our legal team. Contact Sahadi Legal Group and learn more about how we can be of assistance.
