With the government involved more and more in our lives, there is an increased chance that you could be injured because of the government's negligence. Since the Middle Ages, the law of England has followed the edict that the "king can do no wrong," and, thus, if you have been hurt by the king or his agents, that is your own bad luck. Although the United States has no king, we do follow English law, including this idea of "sovereign immunity." In its modern form, sovereign immunity prevents people from suing the government unless the government gives them permission to do so.

Because sovereign immunity can unfairly result in injured persons not being compensated for their injuries, most states and the federal government have passed laws called Tort Claims Acts. These laws give citizens advance permission to sue for certain kinds of injuries caused by the negligence of government employees. If a claim is subject to the Act, the government is liable in much the same way a private person can be liable.

However, the kinds of claims permitted by the Act are fewer than the kinds of claims that can be brought against a private person. For example, a citizen may be able to sue for injuries caused by a police officer's negligent driving but not for the police department's negligent failure to catch the thief who robbed him or her. Additionally, claims against the government are subject to special rules and special time limits that differ from those in a normal lawsuit.

Don't despair because your injury was caused by the government. You do have rights, and we will help you protect them.

Remember, if you need a personal injury lawyer or a wrongful death lawyer, the lawyers at Dallas law firm Street and Ragsdale are here for you. Contact our lawyers if you'd like free no-obligation assistance with your legal questions.

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