How to Sue the City of Phoenix

Experiencing an injury can result in damages that are not only painful but life-altering. Victims may experience physical pain, injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and more. The process can be complicated, especially when determining who should be held accountable for the damages. There are many reasons to consider taking legal action against your local city government. A lawyer with knowledge of rules and regulations will play a critical role in helping victims navigate the process by building a case and adhering to strict timeframes in place by the city government. If you are interested in pursuing the claims process in the city of Phoenix, there are several steps that should be taken to initiate the process.  

Reasons to Take Action

Typically a plaintiff might take action against the city government when they have experienced an injury, and negligence is a factor. Much of the time, a personal injury lawyer can play a crucial role in helping an accident victim take action. Common injuries that may call upon the assistance of a lawyer include:

• A car accident involving a city employee or city vehicle
• Premises liability cases that caused damages due to unkempt or neglected property
• An injury from broken staircases or sidewalks
• Accidents involving public transportation
• Improper traffic control

When suing a city or municipality, you will have a relatively short time frame to take legal action. Working with an experienced lawyer can assist you in making sure that you take the necessary steps so that you have the best opportunity to reach a successful resolution to your case. 

Steps Towards Initiating the Process

Several steps will need to be taken when you have suffered an injury that you believe was at the city’s hands. You will have a limited period of time to take action. Start by taking the following steps:

1. Seek medical care to ensure that you receive the proper medical treatment. Additionally, taking this step helps to prove that your injuries were tied to the accident.
2. Contact a lawyer with experience in managing injury cases involving the city of Phoenix.
3. Gather evidence in support of your claim.
4. File a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the injury. This initiates the process and allows the city to settle the claim with you. 
5. The government will respond within 60 days with a decision. If you do not hear from them, your lawyer will counsel you regarding litigation as the next step. 

Be aware that you have a year to take action against the city, which is a relatively shorter timeframe than typical personal injury cases. This is a primary reason to take legal action with the assistance of a lawyer immediately. 

Speaking with Legal Counsel

The process of taking action against the local government will require that you follow stringent guidelines. In Phoenix, you will have a specific time to initiate your case, which is why you must speak with an attorney. Having a legal professional with experience managing issues of negligence where local government is involved will be critical. To move forward, it will be in your best interest to contact an attorney who can review your case and determine the best way to move forward. If you need more information about how to sue the city of Phoenix, contact us today at the Saavedra Law Firm PLC.

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