San Jose Public Entity Liability Attorney

Pursuing Justice Against Government & Public Entities

Personal injury lawsuits enable victims of negligence to seek justice and a financial recovery of their damages. When defendants in these cases are government agencies or public entities, however, the law introduces different rules and procedures that can make the process for seeking compensation more challenging. If you have a potential municipality liability lawsuit, an experienced San Jose attorney can make all the difference in your case.

For over 20 years, the Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia have helped people recover from losses due to public entities. Our team has helped numerous victims recover financially after accidents caused by negligence, and has the experience to take on powerful public entities. From start to finish, our legal team can guide you through the process and highlight the facts that support your claim.

Request a FREE review of your case. Call (408) 650-8955.

What Is Public Entity Liability?

If you have an accident that involves a government vehicle or is caused by a defective streetlight, this would involve public entity liability. As a rule, public entity liability involves claims against government organizations or individuals. Public entity liability law is complicated and overlaps with many other legal disciplines. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you contact a qualified San Jose public entity liability attorney. An experienced professional can help you with claims involving, but not limited to:

• Premises Liability. These claims can involve any injury sustained outside of your home. A public entity can be liable if they had knowledge of, caused or should have known about a dangerous condition. Premises liability claims often involve a slip and fall or children who were hurt on deteriorating playground equipment. For instance, if you were injured in a public pool due to unsafe conditions, you may have grounds to file a premises liability claim.
• Law Enforcement Liability / Civil Rights Violations. Unfortunately, not every police officer is an example of good practice and unparalleled equality. For example, law enforcement officials must have a reasonable suspicion to detain or question you. In some cases, these poor practices lead to a wrongful arrest, police brutality, false arrest and/or illegal search and seizure.
• Public Transportation Liability. Public transportation in San Jose is provided by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and Caltrain. This form of liability can also involve a government vehicle accident and/or poorly maintained roads.

Why Do I Need a San Jose Public Entity Liability Attorney?

It should be no surprise that bringing a claim against municipal entities or the government involves many technicalities. In fact, public entities enjoy many broad protections that can seem confusing and arbitrary. If you have been injured, it is important that you speak with a San Jose public entity lawyer immediately. Legal professionals can help you navigate local, state, and federal laws to protect your best interests. Other beneficial reasons you should contact an attorney involve, but are not limited to:

• Determining Liable Party: Because of the complexities of public entity liability law, it can be difficult to determine liable parties. A reliable San Jose public entity liability attorney can scrutinize the details to help determine what parties contributed to hold the right people liable.
• Fulfilling Procedural Requirements: Many requirements must be met for your claim to be valid. For example, there are deadlines to file a notice of claim within a limited period of time. Missing this deadline can result in a revocation of your rights to file a municipal liability lawsuit.

Public Entity Liability FAQ

What Counts as a Public Entity?

Popular public entities include public school districts, police forces, transportation agencies, and government agencies such as local cities / municipalities, counties, or state agencies.

What Are Some Common Examples of Accidents Involving a Public Entity?

Common examples of accidents involving a public entity include poorly maintained roadways, slip and falls on public property, playground accidents, and accidents involving government vehicles. Plaintiffs are often surprised by the number of injuries covered underneath the public entity liability umbrella.

How Can I Prove My Case?

You may need assistance from eyewitnesses. Some cases also require expert testimony. A public entity liability lawyer can help you acquire evidence and develop a successful legal strategy.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In California, there may be important filing requirements applicable to claims against public entities that are in addition to any applicable statutes of limitation that may apply to your claim. It is important to adhere to the time requirements before they expire. Otherwise, you may be forever barred from obtaining a recovery for your loss.

The appropriate timing is complicated and dependent on the particular facts of your case. Therefore, it is important to consult with an attorney about the specific details of your claim as soon as possible. This will help you avoid making any costly mistakes about important filing deadlines.

When Should I Contact a Public Entity Liability Law Firm?

You should seek representation immediately following your injury. While the legal process can be navigated without counsel, consulting a legal professional is advised. Your attorney can help gather evidence and negotiate with defendants who are interested in paying victims as little as they can.

What Types of Compensation Can I Be Awarded?

Types of compensation that may be awarded in a successful public entity liability case include:

• Medical Bills
• Pain and Suffering
• Loss of Income
• Future Loss of Income
• Permanent Disfigurement

Other types of compensation may be available, depending upon the details of your case.

How Much Compensation Should I Expect to Receive?

Successful plaintiffs in public entity liability cases may receive anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in damages — depending on the severity of their injury.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The process can take anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the severity of your claim and the details surrounding it. Our public entity liability attorneys can help provide clarity for your timeline.

Municipal Liability Lawsuit? Our San Jose Offers Free Consultations.

The Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia understands how hard it can be to devote your resources to a claim against a public entity. For this reason, our firm offers free consultations.

There is no risk for you to call and have us review your situation. To request your free case review, complete an online form or call (408) 650-8955.