Legally Reviewed by Tom Willford on November 5, 2026
When someone you love is seriously hurt or dies while in jail or prison, the questions can feel overwhelming. You may be waiting on answers, records, and explanations while also trying to support your family.
Attorney Tom Willford has spent 35 years litigating cases in state and federal courts. His firm takes on difficult cases that many other attorneys will not, including claims involving public entities.
We offer a careful, respectful approach, and we work to help families understand their options.
Time-Sensitive: Claims Involving Public Entities Have Short Deadlines
A written claim against a public entity in California generally must be presented within six months.
Other deadlines may also apply, and they depend on the facts and the law. Tom Willford has represented injured clients for 35 years. Reach out early so your deadline is not missed.
People in custody depend on others for their safety and medical care. When a person is seriously hurt or dies, a claim may arise in situations such as:
Every situation is different. We review the facts and the law to explain whether a claim may exist. Learn more about our wrongful death and government claims practices.
Who may bring a claim depends on the circumstances:
We can explain who may be eligible to file and what the process involves. There is no pressure, and we listen first.
Claims involving jails, prisons, and other public entities are different from most injury cases. You need a lawyer who understands:
Tom Willford has litigated complex cases in state and federal courts for 35 years, and he is prepared to take a difficult case to trial when needed.
Responsibility depends on the facts. Depending on the situation, it may involve:
We investigate carefully to determine who may be responsible, and we do not draw conclusions before the evidence is in.
Depending on your case, you may be able to seek damages for:
Every case is different, and no result can be promised. We evaluate your claim based on real evidence and the law.
To protect your family and your legal rights:
Deadlines for these claims can be short, so reaching out quickly helps protect your case.
We use facts and evidence to support a claim, which may include:
We build a clear case that shows what happened and how it has affected your family.
Claims involving government entities can be complex and slow. You should have an attorney who is ready for that and who treats your family with respect.
Tom Willford handles negotiations and pushes for a fair outcome. If a fair resolution is not offered, we are prepared to take the case to court.
These cases are deeply personal, and the stakes are high. We treat them seriously.
Claims involving a jail, prison, or other public entity can involve both California law and federal law, and the rules and deadlines differ. A written claim against a public entity generally must be presented within six months, and in most other injury cases you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
Learn more about government claims and wrongful death, or contact Willford Law Corporation to protect your deadline.
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.
