When you get hurt on someone else’s property or due to another person’s negligence, you may be able to sue them for personal injury. You can actually sue the government over negligence as well, but the process for suing a government entity is a bit different. Our Queens slip & fall accident attorneys can tell you more about the process and the “notice of claim” you will have to file if you want to pursue damages.
How Long Do I Have to File a Notice of Claim?
You have just 90 days to file a notice of claim. This essentially informs a government entity that you were injured due to the negligence of one of its employees or agencies. You are letting them know that you plan to sue for damages as a result.
Accident victims normally have years to file a personal injury case in New York. If you plan to sue the government, you cannot dawdle. You should talk to a lawyer right away.
What Needs to Be Included in a Notice of Claim?
Your notice of claim should contain information about you and the incident. Some details to write down include:
- Your name
- The name of any other claimants
- Your address
- Your attorney’s name and address
- The event that caused your injuries
- When and where the event took place
- What kinds of injuries or damages you have suffered as a result
Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Notice of Claim?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but having one can be helpful. Your lawyer can help you flesh out the notice of claim and give the government a clear picture of what happened to you and why you are owed compensation. They can also ensure that you do not leave any critical information out. The window for taking action is closing rapidly and mistakes can eat up valuable time.
When Can I Actually Sue the Government?
You can actually sue the government within one year and 90 days of the accident that caused your injuries. When you submit a notice of claim, the government should investigate and contact you. You could be offered a settlement and be given time to consult with a lawyer to see if you want to take the offer.
In some cases, you won’t actually hear a response from the government. At this point, you should consult with your attorney and think about moving forward with the lawsuit. You are required to send a notice of claim, but the government is not required to send you a detailed response. As long as you have sent the notice, you should be able to sue for damages.
Schedule a Case Consultation
If you want to learn more about your legal options after you have been hurt on government property, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos. We can schedule a consultation and take a closer look at the details of your case. Then we can help you claim the compensation that you deserve.
