Recognizing When a Public Property Injury Becomes a Government Claim
When you are hurt on public property in California—whether on a damaged sidewalk, inside a public building, at a school, or at a transit stop—you may not immediately realize that your injury triggers an entirely different process than a typical personal injury claim. You are dealing with a government agency, and that means strict procedures and short timelines apply from the very beginning. Public entities are required to keep their property reasonably safe. Still, when hazards are ignored or repairs are delayed, you can suffer the consequences through medical bills, missed work, and lingering pain. Instead of having years to take action, you face a much shorter window to notify the government about your claim. If you wait too long, you may lose the right to pursue compensation altogether. When you understand early that your injury took place on property owned or controlled by a city, county, school district, or state agency, you give yourself a stronger chance to preserve evidence, identify the correct entity, and begin the claim process before time runs out.
Why California Sets Short Deadlines for Government Claims
When your injury involves a government agency, California law requires you to act quickly. You generally must file a written government claim within six months of the date you were injured or became aware of the injury. Missing this deadline can prevent you from ever filing a lawsuit in court. This written claim is not a lawsuit—it is a formal notice explaining where the incident occurred, what happened, how you were injured, and what losses you have suffered so far. Filing the claim is a required first step before you can sue the government for damages. The law is designed to give the agency a prompt opportunity to investigate, address the hazard, and decide whether to resolve the matter early. By meeting this tight deadline, you keep your legal options open, even if you still don’t know how long your recovery will take or how significantly the injury will affect your daily life.
Situations That Should Prompt You to Act Quickly
Any time you sustain an injury on public property, you help yourself by treating it as urgent from the beginning. If you needed emergency treatment, diagnostic testing, or ongoing medical care, your situation is likely severe enough to require a government claim. Hazards such as uneven sidewalks, broken handrails, poor lighting, loose flooring, defective structures, or uncleared debris can suggest that the public entity failed to maintain the area safely. Once you suspect that a dangerous condition contributed to your injury, documenting everything becomes essential. Take photos if possible, gather witness information, and note the exact location of the hazard. You can also keep a journal detailing your symptoms, medical appointments, missed workdays, and activities that have become painful or difficult. These details help demonstrate how the unsafe condition affected you and help establish why the government should be held responsible for your injuries and losses.
What to Expect After You File Your Government Claim
After you submit your government claim, the agency typically has 45 days to respond. They may approve your claim, reject it in writing, or take no action at all. If you receive a written rejection, you usually have six months from the mailing date to file a lawsuit. Suppose the agency does not respond within the 45 days. In that case, the claim is considered denied by operation of law, and you may have up to two years from the date of your injury to bring a lawsuit—though you should never rely on the whole two‑year period without legal guidance. In limited situations, such as when you were a minor or physically or mentally unable to file the claim on time, you may request permission to file a late claim. However, even these requests have strict deadlines, typically within one year of the incident. Because the rules are complex and unforgiving, seeking help early can prevent costly mistakes that jeopardize your case.
Taking the Next Step With the Law Offices of Julia Sklar
When you are injured on public property, you shouldn’t have to handle medical bills, missed income, and confusing legal requirements on your own. At the Law Offices of Julia Sklar, you receive support in identifying the correct government entity, gathering evidence, preparing your claim, and meeting every deadline required under California law. You deserve a team that understands the profound impact the injury has had on your life and is prepared to protect your rights throughout the process. Whether your losses involve medical treatment, lost wages, or changes to your quality of life, you don’t need to carry this burden alone—let us help you fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you’re ready to move forward, contact us today for a free consultation at (818) 904-1597. Together, we can secure the justice and recovery you need.
