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Los Angeles Government Tort Liability Attorneys

Are You in Need of a Los Angeles Government Tort Liability Attorney?

You’ll want to speak with an experienced tort liability attorney if you were injured on government property, or if your injuries were caused by the actions of a city, county, or state employee.

Your path to justice is not the same as a traditional personal injury claim. In fact, these are difficult cases with strict deadlines and complicated procedures. That’s why it’s important to find a legal team who understands California’s Government Tort Claims Act and knows how to correctly pursue your claim.

John S. Peterson at Peterson Law Group PC represents individuals and businesses in high-stakes civil litigation, including claims against public entities in Los Angeles and throughout California.

Why Choose Us Over Other Government Tort Liability Attorneys in Los Angeles?

Whether your injury resulted from a public transportation accident, a dangerous condition on government-owned property, or another form of governmental negligence, taking legal action against a government requires an attorney with deep knowledge of government immunity laws, statutory deadlines, and litigation strategy.

At Peterson Law Group PC, we offer:

• Over three decades of legal experience in complex litigation
• Membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, awarded for achieving significant results for clients
• AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, reflecting the highest ethical standards and legal ability
• Recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer revies and independent research
• A track record of successful claims against city, county, and state entities, including cases involving dangerous conditions, civil rights violations, and inverse condemnation

We’re not a high-volume personal injury practice; we are a focused, strategic litigation firm that handles select cases with the attention they deserve.

Injured by a City, County, or State Agency?

Get experienced legal guidance by calling Peterson Law Group PC at (213) 236-9720.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Claims against public entities in California follow a different set of rules than those against private individuals or businesses. Even a small legal misstep can result in your claim being dismissed.

A Los Angeles government tort liability attorney at Peterson Law Group PC can:

• Determine if your claim qualifies under the Government Tort Claims Act
• Identify all liable public agencies or employees
• Ensure your claim is filed within the required deadline
• Gather and preserve critical evidence
• Evaluate your damages, including economic and non-economic losses
• Advocate for you in administrative hearings and civil court

John S. Peterson understands how to counter government defenses such as immunity, lack of notice, or discretionary act protections. Our legal team works meticulously to build your case from the ground up, because we know what’s at stake.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in California?

Under the California Government Code, the timeline to take legal action against a public entity is much shorter than for standard personal injury or property claims. In most cases, you must file an administrative claim with the appropriate government agency within six months of the date of the incident.

The agency then has 45 days to respond. If your claim is rejected, you have six months from the date of the rejection to file a lawsuit in court. However, if the agency does not respond within 45 days, you have two years from the date of the incident to file your lawsuit.

Reasons to See an Attorney Right Away

The sooner you act, the more options you have, and the stronger your case can be. There are several reasons why you should speak to a lawyer as soon as you suspect a government agency or employee may be responsible for your injury or loss:

• Preservation of Evidence: Video surveillance, internal reports, and witness statements may be lost or deleted quickly.
• Short Deadlines: As mentioned, most government tort claims must be filed within 6 months.
• Investigation: Government entities are not quick to admit fault. A timely legal investigation can uncover critical facts and records.
• Complex Procedures: Government claims involve specific notice requirements, forms, and timelines. Errors can disqualify your case.
• Protection from Lowball Offers: Some public entities may offer minimal settlements early on. An attorney ensures you're not pressured into accepting less than your claim is worth.

Understanding Government Tort Liability

Government tort liability refers to the legal responsibility of public entities when their actions or omissions result in injury, property damage, or loss. This may include cities, counties, school districts, and state agencies.

Common Los Angeles government tort liability cases include:

• Dangerous road or sidewalk conditions
• Negligent operation of public vehicles (e.g., buses, police cars)
• Injuries on public property
• Civil rights violations (under federal or state law)
• Improper police conduct or excessive force
• Failure to maintain traffic control devices or lighting
• Public employee negligence

These claims can arise from a variety of incidents, such as a pedestrian tripping on a poorly maintained sidewalk or a motorist being hit by a city-operated vehicle. Government agencies have a duty to maintain public property and services in a reasonably safe condition. When they fail to do so, and someone is harmed as a result, they may be held legally responsible under tort law.

What Is California’s Government Tort Claims Act?

The California Government Tort Claims Act (GTCA) is a statute that outlines when and how people can sue a government agency for damages. Passed to balance the public’s right to compensation with the need to protect government operations from excessive litigation, the Act limits liability but also allows for specific exceptions.

Key features of the GTCA include:

• Immunity is the default, not the exception. A government agency cannot be sued unless the claim falls under a recognized exception.
• Administrative claim filing is mandatory. You must file a government claim before initiating a lawsuit.
• Shortened timelines. Most claims must be submitted within 6 months of the incident.
• Strict formatting and procedural requirements. Improperly filed claims may be rejected.

Common exceptions that allow you to bring a claim include:

• Negligent acts by government employees acting within the scope of their employment
• Creation or failure to correct a dangerous condition on public property
• Negligence in the operation of government-owned vehicles
• Breach of mandatory duties imposed by law

Don’t Miss Critical Filing Deadlines.

Contact Peterson Law Group PC by calling (213) 236-9720 now to protect your rights under California’s Government Tort Claims Act.

How to File a Government Tort Claim

Filing a claim under the GTCA involves completing several important steps.

Determining the Correct Entity

Identifying the correct government agency is critical. Filing with the wrong entity can delay or invalidate your claim.

Using the Right Form

Most public agencies have their own claim forms. If not, you can use the general claim form provided by the State of California.

Including Required Information

The claim must clearly state:

• The name and address of the claimant
• The date, place, and circumstances of the incident
• A general description of the injury or loss
• The names of public employees involved, if known
• The amount claimed if under $10,000 (or an estimate if more)

Filing Within 6 Months

This timeline is strictly enforced for claims involving personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage.

Once the agency receives the claim, it has 45 days to accept or reject it. If rejected, you may proceed to court.

Exceptions and Limitations

While the GTCA allows certain claims, there are a number of limitations and exceptions that can prevent a lawsuit against a government agency:

Discretionary Acts Immunity

Public entities are generally immune from liability for policy decisions and discretionary actions, even if those decisions lead to harm.

Failure to Provide Adequate Public Services

You typically cannot sue for failure to provide enough police protection, fire suppression, or emergency services, unless there’s a special duty owed to you.

Public Employee Immunity

In some cases, public employees may be immune individually, even if the agency itself can be held liable.

Civil Rights Claims

Claims under federal law (such as §1983 actions for civil rights violations) have their own rules and are not subject to the GTCA’s administrative claim requirements, but they still involve unique deadlines and procedural rules.

These complexities make it essential to work with an experienced Los Angeles government tort liability lawyer who understands how government immunity applies.

Case Results

Inverse Condemnation (Mud flow and flood)

Initial government offer: $0

Awarded: $1,700,000

Three separate residential neighborhoods in the Antelope Valley were buried in mud and water up to 5-feet deep. Peterson Law Group PC represented the owners of 16 separate properties against several government entities.

Inverse Condemnation (Contract breach)

Initial government offer: $0

Awarded: $6,000,000

Peterson Law Group PC represented developers against a city and community facilities district in the trial and the appeal arising out of a Facilities Improvement Agreement that provided for reimbursement for the developers’ unreimbursed costs of infrastructure.

Inverse Condemnation (Landslide)

Initial government offer: $0

Awarded: $4,700,000

A landslide caused major damage and foundation problems to a bluff top home in Palos Verdes. The case proceeded to a multi-week complex trial involving geology, geotechnical engineering and property valuation.

Inverse Condemnation (Landslide)

Initial government offer: $0

Awarded: $4,650,000

Peterson Law Group PC represented the owner of a downslope estate against a city when a slope failure collapsed a part of a canyon wall and blocked the clients’ driveway, damaged portions of the property, and shut down Laurel Canyon.

Speak With a Trusted Los Angeles Government Tort Liability Attorney Today

If you’ve suffered harm due to the negligence or misconduct of a public agency or government employee, don’t try to navigate the process alone. Peterson Law Group PC has the experience, skill, and legal insight to hold public entities accountable and protect your rights.

We have successfully handled high-stakes litigation against cities, counties, and state agencies throughout California. Our legal team is ready to act quickly, preserve your claim, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (213) 236-9720 today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is government tort liability?

Government tort liability refers to the legal responsibility of public agencies, such as cities, counties, and state departments when their actions or negligence cause harm, such as injury, property damage, or civil rights violations.

Can I sue the government in California?

Yes, but only under specific conditions outlined in the California Government Tort Claims Act (GTCA). The law generally provides immunity to government entities unless your claim fits within a statutory exception.

What types of claims can be filed against government entities?

Common claims include:

• Injuries caused by dangerous conditions on public property
• Negligent operation of government vehicles
• Police misconduct or excessive force
• Civil rights violations
• Property damage due to government action (e.g., inverse condemnation)

What is the deadline to file a government tort claim in California?

In most cases, you must file an administrative claim within 6 months of the incident. If the government rejects your claim, you have 6 months from the date of rejection to file a lawsuit in court.

Do I need to file a claim before suing a government agency?

Yes. In California, you must file a written administrative claim and wait for the agency’s response before you are legally allowed to file a lawsuit. This step is mandatory under the GTCA.

What happens after I file a government claim?

The government has 45 days to approve or reject your claim. If rejected, you can then proceed with a lawsuit. If they don’t respond within 45 days, you may treat the claim as rejected and move forward with litigation.

Are there any exceptions to government immunity?

Yes. The GTCA allows claims in several situations, such as:

• Negligent acts by public employees
• Dangerous conditions on public property
• Breach of mandatory statutory duties
• Failure to properly maintain roads or sidewalks

Your lawyer can assess whether your case qualifies under one of these exceptions.

How is a government tort claim different from a typical injury case?

Government tort claims have shorter deadlines, mandatory pre-litigation steps, and are subject to specific immunity defenses. These cases are more procedurally complex than standard personal injury lawsuits.

Meet Our Attorney

John S. Peterson

John S. Peterson is the founding attorney of Peterson Law Group PC, where he leads a nationally respected practice focused on complex civil litigation, including eminent domain, inverse condemnation, and government tort liability.

Mr. Peterson is known for his strategic litigation skills, deep understanding of California's Government Code, and ability to take on sophisticated public agency matters. He has successfully tried and resolved cases involving land use, government takings, public infrastructure disputes, and catastrophic losses caused by public entities. His clients include property owners, developers, utilities, and public-impact organizations.

With a reputation for precision, diligence, and results, John S. Peterson continues to be a trusted advisor and formidable advocate for clients navigating high-stakes legal challenges against powerful government agencies.

Additional Information

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