If you were injured because of the recklessness or carelessness or a government official or government entity, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. However, these cases are especially complex and you’ll need a qualified attorney to win in a lawsuit with the government.
There are specialized procedures and rules that you must follow if you are suing the government. Among other things, you have less time to take action. To protect your rights, it is imperative that you seek professional legal representation as soon as possible.
At Kapuza Lighty, PLLC, our Yakima government liability attorneys have decades of experience representing injured victims in cases against state, local, and federal government entities.
We have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved with filing a legal claim against the government. If you were injured in an accident due to the negligence of the government, please contact our law firm today for immediate legal guidance.
Understanding Government Liability
Under U.S. law, all governmental entities have sovereign immunity.
Simply put, this legal theory makes the government immune from any lawsuits. You cannot bring a common law personal injury claim against the government.
The good news is that you are not out of legal options.
Quite the contrary; there are specific statutes that have been enacted that allow injured victims to bring legal action for compensation.
If you are bringing a personal injury claim against a federal entity, your claim may be filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). If you are bringing a claim against a state or local government entity in Washington, your claim may be filed under RCW 4.92.100.
You Need to Act Quickly in Lawsuits Against the Government
In some ways, personal injury lawsuits against the government are similar to cases filed against private companies.
However, there are always some very important differences. There are limited deadlines and unique claims procedures that must be followed when suing the government.
Sadly, with limited exceptions, these special rules actually make things more difficult on injured victims. You typically have far less time to take legal action in a case against the government.
There are also strict notifications requirements. For this reason, it is crucial that injured victims consult with a qualified Yakima government liability lawyer immediately after their accident.
The Government is Responsible for Its Employees
Under the FTCA and Washington state law, government entities are typically responsible for the negligent conduct of any employees who are acting in an official capacity. The government cannot avoid liability by pushing the blame onto a worker.
These entities have a duty to screen, train, and oversee all of their employees. If you were injured due to the negligence of a government worker, you should contact our law firm today.
Contact Our Yakima Government Liability Attorneys Today
At Kapuza Lighty, PLLC, our dedicated Washington government liability lawyers have deep experience bringing claims against federal, state, and local government entities.
If you were injured in an accident, and you believe the government bears liability, please call us today. With an office in Yakima, WA, we represent clients throughout Eastern Washington.