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Filing a personal injury claim government entity California law governs is one of the most complex areas of injury law. Strict deadlines, special filing requirements, and sovereign immunity rules create unique challenges that require experienced legal guidance. Introduction Injuries caused by government negligence — dangerous roads, police vehicle accidents, injuries on public property — require a completely different legal process than standard personal injury claims. Filing a personal injury claim against a government entity in California involves strict deadlines, special procedures, and unique legal hurdles that can derail your case if not handled properly. The Government Claims Act (Government Code §900 et seq.) Before you can sue a government entity in California, you must first file an administrative claim with the government agency responsible. This is a mandatory prerequisite — you cannot skip this step. The Critical Six-Month Deadline You have just six months from the date of injury to file your Government Claims Act notice. This is dramatically shorter than the standard two-year statute of limitations for private defendants. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim permanently. What Must Be in Your Government Claim Your claim must include the date, place, and circumstances of the incident, a general description of your injuries, the names of any government employees involved, the amount of damages you’re claiming, and the names and addresses of the claimants. Common Government Entity Claims in Orange County Accidents caused by poorly maintained roads or missing signage, injuries on county or city property (parks, buildings, sidewalks), police […]