Government Negligence

The employees of federal, state and local governments, like any other employees, can make mistakes. These mistakes — or negligent acts — can cause innocent people to be harmed. Governments can be held responsible for the harm caused by the negligent acts of their employees; however, there are additional rules and procedures specific to claims against governments that present significant hurdles to those seeking reimbursement.

The special rules and procedure associated with governmental claims arise from the doctrine of sovereign immunity, which means a government may not be sued unless it has waived its immunity or consents to suit. Therefore, an injured individual must present a claim that fits the exceptions to a government’s immunity and follow specific notice requirements.

It is extremely important to obtain legal counsel experienced with the nuances of government claims to navigate through its specific rules and procedures. The Law Office of Gregory E. Price has extensive experience handling wrongful death and personal injury claims.

Relevant experience includes:

• A $3.15 million settlement at the conclusion of years of litigation against a utility district to compensate a significantly injured worker who came in contact with 7,500 volts of electricity during the move of a house over a rural state highway.
• A $1.25 million settlement against the City of Washougal as compensation for injuries suffered by a motorcyclist who was struck by a fleeing vehicle that was being pursued by a police unit that failed to activate its overhead lights or sirens.
• A settlement against the United States Postal Service for injuries arising from an automobile accident caused by the negligence of a postal worker.
• A settlement with the City of Vancouver, obtaining compensation for a client who was injured on the Columbia Renaissance Trail, as reported in The Columbian: http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/feb/10/vancouver-to-pay-144000-to-end-suit/
  Although there were other people who had been injured and made claims against the city of Vancouver under similar facts, this was the first successful claim that wasn’t barred by an immunity claimed by the city.
• A 2018 settlement against Clark County and Clark Public Utility District for injuries caused to a bicyclist who encountered a sinkhole created by a water main rupture.

For a free consultation, call us at (360) 828-5879, or fill out our “Contact Us” form. We will be happy to talk to you about the specific details of your case and answer any questions you may have.