[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/personal-injury-claims-against-state-of-georgia-local-governments-work\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/personal-injury-claims-against-state-of-georgia-local-governments-work\/","headline":"How Personal Injury Claims Against the State of Georgia and Local Governments Work","name":"How Personal Injury Claims Against the State of Georgia and Local Governments Work","description":"It\u2019s possible but difficult to file personal injury claims against a local or state government agency in Georgia. State law outlines special rules for these cases, including a shorter deadline to file a claim. Anyone wishing to sue a government agency will need legal help to overcome these...","datePublished":"2025-08-14","dateModified":"2026-04-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/#Person","name":"John Sherrod","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/filing-for-case.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/filing-for-case.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/personal-injury-claims-against-state-of-georgia-local-governments-work\/","about":["Personal Injury"],"wordCount":1069,"articleBody":"It\u2019s possible but difficult to file personal injury claims against a local or state government agency in Georgia. State law outlines special rules for these cases, including a shorter deadline to file a claim. Anyone wishing to sue a government agency will need legal help to overcome these issues.At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we bring 91 years of combined legal experience to our clients and our dedication to seeking the best results possible. Here, we discuss how personal injury claims against state and local government agencies work in Georgia. To discuss the specific facts of your case in a free consultation, contact us today.What Does Sovereign Immunity Mean?Sovereign immunity is the legal doctrine that says you can\u2019t sue a government agency or its employee without their consent (in most circumstances). The sovereign immunity doctrine reflects the belief that public agencies and employees should have legal protection so they don\u2019t face claims whenever they do something someone doesn\u2019t like.Without the sovereign immunity doctrine, governments could face endless lawsuits from angry citizens, which could prevent them from doing their jobs. However, the sovereign immunity doctrine also creates challenges for people who suffer legitimate harm from a government agency and\/or its employees.What Is the Georgia Tort Claims Act?The Georgia Tort Claims Act (GTCA) allows people to sue a state or local government in limited circumstances. The GTCA permits public agencies and employees to be held liable for actions that fall within the scope of their official duties, but not in all cases. For example, Ga. Code \u00a7 50-21-24 provides a list of actions or situations in which sovereign immunity applies, such as the following:State agencies collecting lawful taxesDelays by legislative or judicial agenciesGovernment revoking required business or other licensesRoad plans, design, or construction (as long as agencies follow \u201cgenerally accepted engineering or design standards\u201d)Actions by the Georgia National Guard, except for vehicle accidents.Under the GTCA, governments are not liable for the actions of public employees when those actions fall outside an employee\u2019s official duties. However, public employees may be individually liable in these cases, which balances out the GTCA\u2019s protections for public agencies.Can You File a Personal Injury Claim Against a Georgia County Government?County governments in Georgia fall under the GTCA, which means you can sue them if you meet the law\u2019s requirements. County governments and their employees are only liable for actions they take as part of their official duties, and even then, only in certain circumstances. Anyone who wants to sue a county government agency will need help from an experienced personal injury lawyer.What Is an Ante Litem Notice?Many legal terms come from Latin. An Ante Litem Notice is a Latin phrase that translates to \u201cbefore litigation notice\u201d or \u201cbefore lawsuit notice.\u201d You must submit an Ante Litem Notice to the government agency or employee you intend to sue before you can sue them.You must submit this notice shortly after your injuries, or you can lose your right to compensation. The deadline for suing a city government agency can be as short as six months, while 12 months is the usual deadline for suing a county or the state.Why does this additional legal hurdle exist? For one thing, the Ante Litem Notice requirement allows government agencies to investigate and resolve claims without formal litigation. Furthermore, proponents of the Ante Litem Notice requirement argue it helps prevent frivolous lawsuits, enables the government time to correct dangerous conditions, and helps ensure claims are handled fairly.On the other hand, this additional legal step and its tight deadlines can complicate cases. If personal injury victims fail to act quickly because they don\u2019t understand the rules, they could lose their chance to hold a government agency or employee accountable for their harmful actions. This requirement makes it essential for anyone pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against a government agency to contact an attorney as soon as possible.Are There Certain Requirements for an Ante Litem Notice?Ante Litem Notice requirements vary slightly depending on the agency. In most circumstances, you must include the following:Your nameThe government agency or employee whose actions caused your injuriesA description of your lossesWhere and when the incident leading to your injuries occurredA description of the incidentAn estimate of the compensation you\u2019re demanding.What Personal Injury Claims Can You File Against Counties in Georgia?Some personal injury cases that might involve a county government or other public agency include:Car accidents \u2014 Public employees often drive around the state as part of their official duties. If an employee causes a crash while performing their official duties, they or the agency they work for could be liable for any resulting injuries. However, public agencies are not liable for accidents when an employee is not engaged in official work.Premises liability incidents \u2014 County, city, or state agencies maintain sidewalks and other public spaces in many parts of Georgia. If an agency doesn\u2019t promptly fix hazards on property under its control or warn people of potential dangers, it could be liable for someone\u2019s injuries on government-controlled property. Proving a public agency controls a property is often challenging, so you\u2019ll want a lawyer\u2019s help.Student injuries at public schools \u2014 Teachers and other staff must maintain a safe student environment. If a lack of proper supervision or a dangerous hazard at a school causes an accident, the school and its staff might be liable.Police brutality incidents \u2014 Police officers can use force when arresting and detaining someone, but they must use appropriate force given the potential danger. Officers who use excessive force and injure someone during an arrest can be liable for the injuries they cause. However, suing a law enforcement agency may require additional legal steps.Contact a Georgia Personal Injury LawyerAt Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our Georgia personal injury attorneys believe holding public agencies and employees accountable when their actions injure someone is vital. We have 91 years of combined legal experience and a record of recovering significant client compensation.If you were in an accident and believe you may have a personal injury claim against the state of Georgia, call Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., today or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.Visit Our Georgia Personal Injury Law Offices<\/a"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Personal Injury Claims Against the State of Georgia and Local Governments Work","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/personal-injury-claims-against-state-of-georgia-local-governments-work\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]