When you get hurt and believe that the government is to blame, the process for suing them is not exactly the same as the process for suing a private citizen or company. First you must file a notice of claim with the government, telling them that you intend to sue. You don’t have much time to do this, so if you got hurt and believe that the negligence of a government entity or employee was to blame, you’ll want to talk to a Nueces County, Texas personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later.
How Long Do I Have to File a Notice of Claim in Texas?
In most cases, you must file a claim within 180 days. The deadline for some local governments could be even shorter. When you submit a notice of claim, it should contain all of the information about the incident and your injuries. You should mention:
- Your name and contact information
- The name of any other claimants
- What happened and when it happened
- Where your accident happened
- The injuries and damages you claim to have suffered
What Kinds of Damages Can I Win After Filing a Notice of Claim?
Different governments and states have different rules about what kinds of damages you can sue for. Some states, for example, do not let people sue for pain and suffering or have a certain threshold that must be met when suing for this particular kind of compensation.
Texas allows you to sue for pain and suffering though. Your damages can also help make up for things like medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological trauma. There is a cap on how much you can receive though. Depending on which government entity is the defendant, you could be limited to $100,000 to $250,000 per person. You should ask your lawyer for specifics about the limitations set by your defendant.
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Notice of Claim?
You do not need a lawyer to file the notice of claim, but they can be helpful during this process. A lawyer can help you ensure that you have all of the needed information and that you are sending the notice to the appropriate authority. Then they can help you build your case and a compelling argument for compensation.
How Long Will It Take to Receive Compensation?
Every personal injury case is different. If you have a clear case and evidence on your side, you may be able to settle your case in just a few months. If your case is more ambiguous or the other side doesn’t want to negotiate in good faith, that can make a case take longer. It could take over a year to receive your compensation.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
So if you got hurt and plan to sue the government, take action right away. Contact Sahadi Legal Group and schedule a free consultation. We don’t want you to miss your chance to claim compensation.