If you have been injured in an accident in Arizona because of another person’s wrongful actions, you may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for your losses. However, what happens if the party at fault for your injuries is a government employee or the state government? To help you understand your legal options in these situations, the below post will go over whether you can sue the government following an accident in Arizona.
Suing the Government in Arizona
If you or a loved one sustained harm in an accident with a governmental entity, the first thing that needs to be done is to determine what type of government agency it is: federal, state, or municipal. This is important because the rules for each will differ, and if you fail to follow the legal steps required to sue these entities, your case may be dismissed, and you will not be able to go after the compensation you need.
For these reasons, following an accident with a governmental agency, consider discussing the situation with an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney who can help you take on this complex legal claim.
Suing the Government for Accidents Caused by the Federal Agency
The legal doctrine of sovereign immunity prohibits a victim from suing the government without their consent. However, when the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) was passed in 1946, it allowed individuals to sue the federal government for an action that a government employee did within the scope of their duties.
These lawsuits tend to be based on negligence, but individuals can also sue for intentional misconduct, such as personal injury or the wrongful death of a family member.
Suing the Government for Accidents Caused By a State Agency
According to Arizona laws, before you can file a lawsuit against the agency, you need to file a written claim with the state. The state only gives you 180 days to file this claim, and it needs to describe what happened, how your injuries were sustained, and the amount of money you are requesting. It must also include supporting evidence or documentation that can justify this amount. Failing to file a claim by the deadline or with the appropriate information can result in a denial.
As you can see, taking on this legal battle can be complicated and confusing. That is why if you are thinking about pursuing legal action against the government after an accident, consider speaking to an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney about this process and how these legal professionals can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
Contact Territorial Law, LLC To Go Over Your Legal Options When It Comes to Suing the Government
If you suffered harm in an accident caused by a government employee or factors related to an Arizona government agency, contact Territorial Law, LLC today or call us at 928-766-4705 to schedule a free, no-risk case consultation and learn how our skilled attorneys can help you sue the government and fight for the financial compensation you are entitled to.