King of Prussia Government Liability Claims Lawyer

Experienced Attorney Handling Injury Claims Involving the Government in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Filing a personal injury claim against an individual or business is a complicated process by itself. However, there are even more rules and regulations involved when the case involves a government entity. Missing certain steps can jeopardize your claim entirely, which is why speaking to an attorney after an accident is so important. To protect your rights, reach out to a King of Prussia government liability claims attorney.

At Neuwirth Law Office, LLC, we are highly familiar with the processes that go into a government liability claim. With over 20 years of proven litigation experience, Attorney Neuwirth is ready to provide you with strong representation combined with approachable service.

What Is Sovereign Immunity, and How Does It Affect a Government Liability Claim in Pennsylvania?

Sovereign immunity is a legal rule that protects the government from most lawsuits. In simple terms, it means you usually cannot sue a state agency, even if that agency caused your injury. Pennsylvania law does allow a few exceptions, though. If your case fits one of these exceptions, you may still be able to file a claim. Pennsylvania law also has special protections for local governments under the Political Subdivision Tort Claims Act. Common exceptions to state and local government immunity include:

• Vehicle accidents: A government employee causing a crash while driving a government vehicle
• Dangerous roads: Potholes or other dangerous road conditions that result in injury, subject to certain notice requirements depending on the case
• Unsafe government buildings: Dangerous conditions inside courthouses, schools, or other public buildings
• Animal-related injuries: Injuries caused by animals in the government's care

These rules are complicated, so it helps to talk to a lawyer early. A lawyer can review your situation and tell you whether your case fits one of these exceptions.

Are There Special Deadlines for Government Injury Claims in Pennsylvania?

Deadlines for government liability claims are stricter than the ones for regular injury cases. In many government claims, you must send a formal notice to the government agency within six months of your accident. For claims against the state, notice must also be sent to the Pennsylvania Attorney General. This notice tells the agency that you plan to file a claim.

You also have a general deadline, called a statute of limitations, to file your lawsuit. In most Pennsylvania injury cases, this deadline is two years from the date of the accident. Government claims have extra rules on top of this deadline, so it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to recover money for your injuries.

What Damages Can You Be Paid for in a Government Liability Claim?

If your claim against the state succeeds, you may be able to recover money for medical and dental bills, lost wages and diminished earning potential, pain and suffering, loss of consortium for interpersonal relationships, and property damage with some exceptions. More restrictions may apply in cases involving local governments.

Pennsylvania law also places limits, or caps, on how much money you can receive in a government liability claim. These caps are lower than what you might recover in a lawsuit against a private person or company.

The exact cap depends on whether you are suing a local government, such as a city or county, or a state agency. These limits should be checked carefully before filing a claim, since they can change over time and may affect how much compensation is actually available to you. A lawyer can explain how these caps apply to your specific case and help you understand what to expect.

Contact a King of Prussia, PA Government Liability Claims Attorney

Government liability claims involve extra rules that can be hard to understand on your own. At Neuwirth Law Office, LLC, we walk you through each step and work to protect your right to compensation. Call 215-259-3687 or contact our King of Prussia government liability claims lawyer to set up a free consultation.