Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the Government in Florida: FAQs

Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the government in Florida can be a complex and challenging process. Many people do not realize that suing the government involves different rules and regulations compared to suing a private individual or company. It is essential to understand the laws that govern these types of cases in Florida, as they are more restrictive and require following specific procedures. When someone suffers an injury due to the negligence of a government entity, such as a city, county, or state agency, they have the right to pursue compensation for their damages, but there are various legal hurdles to overcome. In this comprehensive guide, we will address common questions related to filing a personal injury lawsuit against the government in Florida. Serrano Law provides dedicated legal support to help clients navigate the complexities of personal injury cases and secure the compensation they deserve.

Can You Sue the Government for Personal Injury in Florida?

Yes, it is possible to sue the government for personal injury in Florida, but there are important legal limitations that must be observed. In general, sovereign immunity, a legal doctrine, protects government entities from being sued. However, Florida has waived some of its sovereign immunity protections under certain circumstances, allowing individuals to file lawsuits for personal injuries caused by government negligence. This waiver is outlined in the Florida Tort Claims Act. Under this act, injured individuals can seek compensation from the government for injuries caused by the negligent actions or omissions of government employees acting within the scope of their duties. It is important to understand that while this waiver exists, there are strict guidelines to follow, and failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in the dismissal of a claim.

What Types of Cases Can You File Against the Government in Florida?

In Florida, individuals can file personal injury claims against government entities for a wide range of situations where negligence is involved. These can include cases such as slip-and-fall accidents on government property, car accidents involving government vehicles, injuries due to dangerous road conditions, medical malpractice in government-operated hospitals, or injuries sustained in public schools. The key factor in these cases is whether the injury was caused by the negligence of a government entity or employee acting in their official capacity. While individuals can file claims for various types of accidents, it is essential to gather evidence demonstrating that the government entity was at fault and that this negligence directly caused the injuries.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

What is the Statute of Limitations for Suing the Government in Florida?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit against the government in Florida differs from the typical statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Normally, individuals have four years to file a personal injury claim in Florida. However, when filing a lawsuit against the government, the time frame is much shorter. Under the Florida Tort Claims Act, individuals must provide notice of their claim within three years of the injury. This notice must be filed with the appropriate government agency, and failure to do so within the designated time frame can result in the loss of the right to pursue compensation. After the notice is submitted, the government has a six-month period to investigate the claim. During this time, individuals cannot file a lawsuit, and only after this investigation period can they proceed with filing the lawsuit if the government has not resolved the claim.

What are the Steps to Filing a Personal Injury Claim Against the Government in Florida?

The process of filing a personal injury claim against the government in Florida involves several key steps. First, it is necessary to file a notice of claim with the appropriate government agency. This notice must include specific details about the injury, how it occurred, the damages being sought, and any other relevant information. After submitting the notice, the government has six months to investigate the claim and decide whether to settle or deny it. If the government denies the claim or does not respond within the six-month period, the injured party can then proceed to file a lawsuit in court. It is important to note that the procedures for filing these claims can be complex, and any misstep in the process could lead to a dismissal of the case. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help ensure that all the necessary steps are followed correctly.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Lawsuit Against the Government?

In a personal injury lawsuit against the government in Florida, injured individuals may be able to recover compensation for various types of damages. These damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs related to the injury. However, there are limitations on the amount of compensation that can be recovered in lawsuits against government entities. Under Florida law, the government is generally only liable for damages up to $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. If the damages exceed these amounts, the injured party would need to pursue a claims bill through the Florida Legislature to recover the additional compensation. This process can be lengthy and uncertain, making it essential to have realistic expectations regarding the potential recovery.

What are the Challenges of Suing the Government for Personal Injury in Florida?

Suing the government for personal injury in Florida comes with several challenges. One of the primary difficulties is navigating the rules and limitations imposed by sovereign immunity. The requirement to file a notice of claim within a shorter time frame and wait for the government’s investigation adds complexity to the process. Additionally, the damages caps limit the amount of compensation that can be recovered, which may not fully cover the extent of an individual’s losses. Furthermore, proving that a government entity or employee was negligent can be more difficult, as government agencies often have extensive legal resources to defend themselves. These challenges highlight the importance of having legal representation when pursuing a claim against the government.

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How Does Sovereign Immunity Affect Personal Injury Claims?

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that historically protected government entities from being sued. While Florida has waived some of its sovereign immunity under the Florida Tort Claims Act, this protection still applies to certain types of claims. For instance, there are instances where the government may not be held liable for injuries that occur as a result of discretionary functions, such as decisions about how to allocate resources or implement policies. Additionally, certain government entities, such as law enforcement officers performing specific duties, may have immunity from lawsuits under specific circumstances. Understanding the nuances of sovereign immunity is crucial when pursuing a claim against the government, as it can significantly impact the outcome of the case.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the Government?

Given the complexity of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the government in Florida, it is highly advisable to seek legal representation. The procedural requirements and legal hurdles involved in these cases can be overwhelming for individuals who are not familiar with the legal system. A lawyer with experience in handling government-related claims can help guide injured individuals through the process, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and within the appropriate deadlines. Additionally, an attorney can help build a strong case by gathering evidence, negotiating with government entities, and advocating for the injured party’s rights in court. While it is possible to file a claim without a lawyer, doing so increases the risk of making mistakes that could jeopardize the case.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

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What Should You Do If You Are Injured by a Government Entity in Florida?

If you are injured by a government entity in Florida, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your rights. First, seek medical attention to address your injuries and document them. It is also crucial to gather evidence related to the incident, such as photographs, witness statements, and any official reports. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible is highly recommended, as they can provide valuable guidance on the next steps to take and ensure that your claim is handled properly from the beginning. Remember, the time frame for filing a claim against the government is much shorter than in typical personal injury cases, so taking swift action is essential.

In conclusion, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the government in Florida involves navigating a complex legal process with strict rules and limitations. While it is possible to seek compensation for injuries caused by government negligence, individuals must adhere to specific procedures, including filing a notice of claim within the designated time frame and following the rules outlined in the Florida Tort Claims Act. Given the challenges involved, seeking legal representation can significantly increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Serrano Law can help you navigate the complexities of your case and work tirelessly to ensure your rights are protected. If you have been injured by a government entity in Florida, contact Serrano Law to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.