Since 1982, the personal injury lawyers of Abeyta Nelson Injury Law have specialized in dealing with government liability cases, successfully resolving many claims against government agencies throughout Washington state. With more than 120 years of combined legal experience, we pride ourselves on creating a strong attorney-client relationship from the first moment of your free consultation at our law firm. Your case deserves an award-winning governmental liability lawyer, so contact the legal team at Abeyta Nelson today to discuss your case.

You Handle the Injury — We Handle the Government Claim

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a government entity, call our law firm today. Our government liability lawyers know how to navigate medical and auto insurance claims, medical expenses, wage loss claims and ongoing treatment, so all you have to worry about is healing. Our liability lawyers are available to talk with you, review the details of your case, and provide information regarding your personal injury claim.

Top Reasons Government Agencies Are Held Liable for Injuries

Governmental entities must be held accountable when individuals suffer a personal injury or loss on government property due to dangerous conditions or other negligence. These types of liability claims are called premises liability cases, and they are filed when a property owner fails to use reasonable care with regard to ownership, maintenance, or upkeep of their property when they had prior knowledge the conditions were unsafe but failed to remedy the situation. Examples of premises liability cases could include someone slipping and falling on a public sidewalk, or in a government building when a roadway is compromised due to roadwork, or when traffic lights or signs malfunction. Talk with a government liability lawyer today who can consult with you on the details of your claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Claim:

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Against Municipalities in Yakima County

Due to the complex nature of filing a claim against a city or county government, it is highly recommended that accident victims hire a qualified government liability lawyer.  Experienced legal counsel understands that only accurate, complete, timely (i.e., not too soon, and not too late) paperwork filed via the proper submission method will allow a case to be accepted and processed.  In Yakima County, certain forms must be submitted depending on where an accident or injury occurred.  Additionally, if a claim is for $10,000 or less, a victim may use the Yakima County District Court small claims process which requires specific forms.  When in doubt, consult with an Abeyta Nelson liability lawyer.   

Against the State of Washington

If you’ve been the victim of negligence by a governmental entity in Washington state, you need to understand the specific rules that apply in these types of claims. Government claims follow different rules and procedures than private insurance claims, including much shorter, stricter deadlines. In addition, there is a requirement to file a formal claim 60 days prior to filing a complaint in court. To ensure your claim is filed in accordance with these complex guidelines, seek the counsel of an experienced governmental liability lawyer like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law.

How to File a Government Liability Claim in Washington

Governmental liability is a complex practice area requiring experience and knowledge of liability rules and requirements. Filing a liability claim against a government entity can be daunting and much more involved than filing a claim against a private entity. Talk with an experienced government liability attorney at Abeyta Nelson today to receive expert case evaluation and legal advice.

Injuries Caused by Negligent Government Entities

If you’re hurt on government or public property, or if an employee’s negligent acts cause you catastrophic injury, the agency is generally responsible for the conduct of its government employee acting in an official capacity. Negligent acts may include cases involving: 

  • government property accidents (parks, buildings, sidewalks)
  • employee misconduct (police, postal worker, public works) 
  • vehicle collisions or car accidents due to faulty or poorly maintained roads
  • other types of motor vehicle accidents caused by a government employee

Contact the liability attorneys at Abeyta Nelson today to determine if you have a case.

The Most Common Injuries in City, County, and State Liability Cases

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Government liability cases can range from minor injuries, to very serious in nature.  The most common injuries in city, county and state liability cases include:

  • broken bones
  • spinal injury
  • soft tissue damage caused by a fall on poorly maintained roads or sidewalks
  • car accidents involving government vehicles
  • head or brain injury 
  • wrongful death

If you’ve been injured as the result of unsafe public property or negligent government employees, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced liability attorney at Abeyta Nelson today to discuss your legal rights.

Injuries That Seem Minor but Become Serious in Government Claims

It is fairly common in government liability cases for accident victims to feel minor injuries soon after their accident, only for these to become much more serious over time. What starts as a sore neck, mild concussion, or simple sprain after a fall on public property can develop into chronic pain, nerve damage, or long-term mobility issues. Because government claims involve strict notice deadlines, waiting to see how an injury “plays out” can put your right to recover compensation at risk. Even if your injuries feel minor, it’s important to document them and seek medical care right away.

Pursuing Maximum Compensation in Government Liability Cases

At Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, we believe federal government, state government, and local government should be held accountable when these entities act negligently. If federal, state, county, or city government employees are found responsible for serious injuries, there are unique laws and special claim procedures that government liability lawyers apply to get you the compensation you deserve to recover your medical bills, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering.

Protecting Your Rights When a Government Entity Is Responsible

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All of us should have the expectation that United States governmental entities — federal, state, county, and city — will provide services in a reliable, safe manner. Just as with school districts, municipalities, law enforcement, or other public entities, employees of government agencies have a standard to uphold when it comes to how they conduct themselves. If you’ve been injured due to the negligent actions or wrongdoing of a government entity or employee, you have a legal right to be compensated for your losses.  Contact a government liability attorney at Abeyta Nelson, who will review your case.

When to Contact a Yakima Government Liability Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt due to government negligence, it’s crucial to talk with a government liability attorney as soon as possible after your injury. Government liability cases are typically more complex than private lawsuits, since these larger organizations are often protected by certain immunity laws. These types of cases also have strict filing deadlines and shorter statutes of limitations (time limit on filing cases). These complicating factors mean the sooner you talk with Abeyta Nelson’s government liability lawyers, the better your chances are of winning your case.