Experience You Can Trust
Government Claims Lawyer
In many circumstances, government agencies in California, from city departments to school districts and transit authorities, have a legal duty to keep public property safe. When they fail, serious injury or death can result. These cases follow special rules and deadlines, but compensation is still possible. At Abronson Law Offices, we have extensive experience in claims against government entities throughout Santa Clara County, guiding you through every step.
At Abronson Law Offices, we help injury victims across California recover compensation after preventable incidents. Whether you were injured on government premises, by a government automobile, or by a government employee, we know how to build a strong case and make sure your voice is heard.
There are strict legal timeframes to file a claim in California. For most incidents, you have two years from the date of the incident but when a non-federal government agency is involved, that window could be as short as six months. Don’t wait and risk your recovery. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation.
Government Entity Cases Matter
Public property, like streets, sidewalks, parks, and buildings, are used daily by millions. Yet when hazards go unrepaired or risks go unaddressed, injuries occur. Falls, inadequate security, road defects, and improperly maintained facilities frequently lead to severe harm.
Common Causes of Government Entity Cases in California
· Unrepaired sidewalks, potholes, and street defects
· Raised or depressed sections of sidewalks
· Uncovered utility boxes or damaged utility covers
· Individuals driving government vehicles or operating as government employees
· Unsafe school facilities
· Hidden hazards like wet floors or broken stairs
· Unmanaged vegetation in pedestrian walking paths
· Inadequate lighting in parking lots or stairwells
· Faulty handrails, elevators, or escalators
· Fires, explosions, or electrocutions
Public agencies must inspect, maintain, and warn visitors about known hazards. Failure to do so can result in legal responsibility under California law.
Why Choose Abronson Law Offices?
Claims against government agencies are governed by California’s Tort Claims Act, which sets short timeframes and specific filing requirements. You often have just six months to issue a claim notice before suing. If the claim involves a federal entity such as Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Post Office you may have a longer time period.
What sets us apart:
· Proven results in public-entity cases (e.g., city, school, transit agency)
· Proven results in complex injury cases
· Access to top medical experts for evaluation and testimony
· Aggressive negotiations backed by trial experience
· Transparent communication, every step of the way
· You don’t pay unless we win your case
We have recovered compensation for clients suffering from:
· Traumatic brain injuries from falls or falling objects
· Injuries from structural collapse or falling debris in public buildings
· Auto injuries caused by government employees
· Broken hips, arms, ankles, and wrists
· Spinal cord injuries and chronic back damage
· Burns and scarring from fires, chemicals, or faulty wiring
· Eye injuries or facial trauma from debris or explosions
· Psychological injuries, including PTSD and depression
· Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death claims
What Compensation Can I Recover?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible for:
· Medical expenses (past and future)
· Lost income and reduced earning potential
· Pain and suffering
· Rehabilitation and long-term care
· Emotional distress
· Any other damages unique to your case
We work with medical experts, financial analysts, and crash investigators to build a strong case and address all the impacts this incident has had on your life. Our goal is to make sure your compensation reflects the true cost of how any incident has affected your life, not just what the insurance company is willing to pay.
Common Questions About Government Entity Cases Incident Injury Cases
Can Governmental Agencies be Sued Like Private Companies?
A: No. The California’s Tort Claims Act limits how and when claims can be made against government entities. You must file a claim within six months of the incident to preserve your right to sue. There are other requirements, reach out to talk with us about government claims.
What if a City Street or Sidewalk Caused My Fall?
A: If the hazard was known but not fixed, or should have been known, you may have a claim against the city or county responsible.
What if the City Says they Fixed the Hazard Afterward?
A: That is common, but it does not negate your claim. We collect evidence promptly (photos, witness statements, maintenance logs) to prove the hazard existed at the time of injury.
What Should I Do After Being Injured on Government Property?
A: Document the scene with photos if your physical condition allows. Otherwise, get medical care, report the injury to the property owner or manager, and contact an attorney as soon as you’re able. Do not give a statement to their insurance company without legal advice.
What if I Didn’t See the Hazard Before I Was Hurt?
A: You don’t have to see it. The law focuses on whether the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix or warn about it.
Who Determines Fault in an Incident?
A: Any decision made by an insurance adjustor is not final. We independently investigate every crash and work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary. If a case does not settle only the jury or judge gets to decide who is at fault.
What if I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
A: You don’t need to. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover money for you.
Can I Sue Even if the Person Responsible wasn’t Criminally Charged?
A: Yes. Civil liability is separate from criminal charges. We can pursue compensation regardless of whether the responsible party was arrested or convicted.
Can I Recover Damages Even if I was Partially at Fault?
A: Yes. California follows comparative negligence. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover for the portion not caused by your actions.
Do I Still have a Claim if I Heal Fully?
A: Yes. Even if you fully heal you are still entitled to the time lost, pain endured, and costs incurred still matter. You’re entitled to compensation for what you went through.
What if I had Delayed Treatment?
A: A delay does not destroy your case, but it may give the insurance company a reason to challenge the seriousness or cause of your injuries. We work with your doctors to clearly connect your treatment to the incident and counter any attempts to downplay your injuries.
Do I Need to Wait Until Treatment is Complete?
A: Sometimes. When possible it is usually best to wait until treatment is complete before settling your claim. Because you can only settle your claim one time you want to know the full extent of your injuries before doing so. Where there is permanent injury, we work with your doctors and life care planners to estimate the full scope of future treatment so your case reflects long-term needs.
Will a Settlement Cover a Lifetime of Care?
A: It can. We build claims that include future medical costs, equipment replacement, caregiver expenses, and lost income through retirement age.
Is Emotional Trauma Considered Part of the Claim?
A: Absolutely. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of public spaces are all compensable in civil claims and often a major part of recovery.
Are Scars Considered “Compensable”?
A: Absolutely. Permanent scars can be a major part of claims, especially in children or victims who require further treatment to reduce scarring.
Do I Need Surgery to have a Strong Case?
A: No. Many cases involve long-term physical therapy or non-surgical treatment. However, if surgery is required, we make sure it’s factored into the claim value.
What if I Already had Arthritis or Degeneration?
A: Pre-existing conditions don’t disqualify you. If the accident made your condition worse or accelerated the need for treatment, you’re still entitled to compensation under California law.
What if I Already have a Preexisting Condition?
A: Pre-existing conditions do not disqualify you. If the accident caused an injury that otherwise wouldn’t have occurred or exacerbated a preexisting condition, you still have a valid claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer if the Insurance Company Made Me an Offer?
A: Always speak to a lawyer first. Early settlement offers are often far below the long-term cost of your recovery and once you accept, you can’t ask for more later.
Will I Have to go to Trial?
A: Most cases settle but we prepare every case as if it might go to trial. Our trial readiness helps us negotiate from a position of strength.
Can I Sue if My Injury Happened at Work?
A: Yes. While workers’ comp may cover medical care, you may also have a separate third-party claim if another entity (equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, etc.) caused your injury.
Get a Free, No-Pressure Consultation
You do not have to do this alone. Our team is here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and move forward with confidence. We offer fully remote services and free consultations by phone or video. If you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, we’ll meet you where you are.
Settlement
$1,247,000
Government Claim Case
Settlement
$1,000,000
Government Claim Case
Settlement
$999,999
Government Claim Case
Contact Us
If You or a Loved One Have Been Injured in an Accident, Speak with Our Legal team Today!
Office Locations
Main Office
332 North 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112
San Francisco Office
1390 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco, California 94102
Contact Us
Phone: (408) 687-9155
Fax: (408) 352-5595