When you’re injured, the person responsible for the accident isn’t always the person who is financially responsible for the damages caused. In some cases, an accident claim can be complex, especially if you believe your accident was caused by a government entity or on government property.
Is it possible to sue a government agency for an accident in Illinois? Yes, but it can be difficult. The laws for these types of claims differ from other personal injury suits, and the government entities will be prepared to refute your claim in court.
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against a government agency, reach out to an Illinois law firm such as Lane Brown, LLC. Our attorneys can guide you through the different laws for government agency claims and help you recover the compensation you need.
Claims against a government agency include when a member of a government agency was negligent with your safety, directly or indirectly. For example, your claim could be as direct as falling on government-owned property, or being struck by a government vehicle.
But, some cases aren’t so simple. For example, let’s say you were involved in a single-vehicle accident. You might discover that your accident was caused by a road hazard, such as a pothole, which the Illinois Department of Transportation should have fixed to avoid a serious accident. In both of these cases, you could be eligible to recover compensation.
If you and your lawyer believe that your accident was the responsibility of a government agency, it’s important to note the key differences between a typical injury claim and a government claim.
First, your time to file is limited. In a typical personal injury case, you have two years to file a claim in Illinois. Claims against the government need to be filed in half that time, though it varies case-by-case. If you don’t file within the allotted time frame, your case can be dismissed and your chance at compensation could be denied.
Keep in mind that when filing a claim against a government entity, they’ll have resources available that you might not have as a private citizen. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer to ensure you have all the tools and evidence available for your claim before proceeding.
Although it is possible to sue a government agency for an accident in Illinois, it’s not a simple task. You’ll need evidence to show which government agency is at fault for your suffering. The filing process can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to focus on your healing and recovery.
Fortunately, a Lane Brown, LLC attorney can help you. You’ll need resources, such as expert witnesses and proof of negligence. Our attorneys understand what it takes to file suit against a government agency, and we’ll work tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome in court.
Are you struggling after an injury caused by a government agency? Reach out for a free consultation. Call 312-332-1400 or fill out the following online form.