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Government Claims

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Legally Reviewed by Tom Willford on October 9, 2026

Government Claims in Santa Ana involve injuries in which the responsible party is a public agency. This includes cities, counties, jails, school districts, or federal entities like the United States Postal Service.

These claims can arise in many personal injury cases, such as car accidents involving government vehicles, injuries on public property, or civil rights violations.

Government claims follow a different from regular injury claims. You must meet strict deadlines, use specific forms, and identify the agency responsible. Mistakes in this process can result in the loss of your right to sue.

Many attorneys do not regularly handle government claims due to these added legal challenges. At WLC, we have handled claims against local, state, and federal entities for over 30 years.

Close up of the United States flag.

Time-Sensitive: California Law Limits Your Window to File

Injury claims against California public agencies generally must be presented within six months, well before the usual two year lawsuit deadline.

Tom Willford has represented injured clients for 30 years. You pay nothing upfront, and you pay only if we win.

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Legal Services for Government Claims in Santa Ana, California

Government liability cases require experience and attention to detail. An attorney handling these claims can:

  • Identify the government agency responsible for your injury.
  • File the government claim within the six-month time limit.
  • Ensure all forms are properly completed and submitted.
  • Investigate ownership or control of the property or vehicle involved.
  • Determine whether your case should go to state or federal court.
  • Represent you in federal court if needed.

Only some lawyers are admitted to practice in federal courts. At WLC, we are admitted to practice in all four federal district courts in California. We have decades of experience handling claims under both state and federal law.

Call us at: (714) 975-5777
Call or text today to schedule your free consultation.

California Government Claims Act

In California, you must follow the rules under the Government Claims Act if you plan to sue a public agency.

The most important rule is the six-month deadline. You must file a written claim with the correct agency within six months of the date of injury.

This applies to many types of incidents:

  • Vehicle accidents with government drivers.
  • Dangerous conditions on public property.
  • Assaults or neglect in jails.
  • Medical negligence in public hospitals.
  • Civil rights violations by law enforcement.

If you file your claim late or send it to the wrong agency, the law bars you from filing a lawsuit, even if your injuries are serious.

California Government Claims Act

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Call us now to discuss your case. At Willford Law Corporation, our clients come first. We know how to navigate the complicated legal system, have represented thousands of clients, and we can help you too.

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FAQ Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a government claim in California?
A government claim is a written notice you must present to a public entity before you can sue it for money damages in California. It describes what happened, when and where it happened, and the harm you suffered. Willford Law Corporation can help you prepare and present it correctly.
A claim for personal injury or death generally must be presented within six months of the incident. Claims for damage to property and certain other claims generally must be presented within one year. These deadlines are strict, so contact an attorney as soon as possible.
The agency generally has 45 days to accept or reject your claim. If it rejects the claim, you usually have six months from the date the rejection notice was mailed to file a lawsuit. If the agency does not respond in time, the claim is treated as rejected.
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What if I missed the six month deadline?
You may be able to ask the agency for permission to file a late claim, generally within one year of the incident. Whether permission is granted depends on the reasons for the delay, so it is important to speak with an attorney right away.
The rules apply to cities, counties, school districts, transit agencies, state agencies, and other public entities in California. Claims against the federal government follow a separate process with its own deadlines, so the first step is identifying the agency involved.
Common examples include crashes involving a city or county vehicle, dangerous road or sidewalk conditions, injuries on public property, public bus accidents, and injuries in jails or other public facilities in Santa Ana and Orange County.
Willford Law Corporation works on a contingency fee, so there are no upfront costs and you pay only if we win. We explain the fee terms in writing before you sign anything.