Some time back, you were not able to sue any government agency based on sovereign immunity. However, now if a town, county, city, or state is at fault, you can hold them responsible.
What Actions Can Be Considered as Harassment?
Harassment is an unequal treatment that causes an individual to experience either some form of physical harm or emotional distress. If you have been subjected to a treatment by the city agencies that includes false arrests, discriminatory contact, excessive use of force by the authority, or the agency has refused to give credence to any valid complaint or similar other situations, then it can qualify as harassment. Under these circumstances, you may be eligible to sue the city agency and receive compensation for your injuries and sufferings.
How Can You Prove Harassment by the City?
Following any harassment incident, it is recommended to follow a few very important steps to ensure that you are able to prove your case. These steps may not stop the mistreatment, but you should follow them to safeguard your right to sue. First, confront the offender as it legally shows that you have provided the wrongdoer a notice that their behavior is unwelcome.
Be aware that city agencies are most probably going to deny any harassment. So it is also highly recommended to document the incident as soon as possible once it has occurred. Your record should include the following information:
- Your own written explanation of the incident
- Statements from those who saw the harassment taking place
- Photo or video evidence taken at the time of the harassment
- Reports from your physician that indicate physical injuries that you may have incurred from the incident
Things to Remember When Suing the City for Harassment
Unlike other personal injury lawsuits, it is important to note that you need to act fast if you need to sue the city for harassment. The city agency is a public authority and the timeline to file a complaint against the city is governed by the statute of limitations. Some jurisdictions may require you to file a written report within just 30 days from the date of the incident. Hence, if you have been a victim of harassment by any city agency, it is crucial that there are no delays in filing your claim as you may lose your right to receive compensation if you do not file within the stipulated time window.
Additionally, in most states you will not be able to simply file a lawsuit against the city agency. Instead, you will be required to provide a written Notice of Claim to the government authority. This written notice should follow all the required guidelines set by the government, a failure to which may result in your lawsuit being dismissed by the court.
How Can A Personal Injury Lawyer Assist You?
If you are planning to sue a government authority like the city agency, it is imperative to have an established personal injury lawyer by your side. Being a target of harassment by the city agency can be very intimidating. Moreover, the short deadlines to file a Notice of Claim can trip even the most meticulous people. Hence, it is best to seek legal assistance as a knowledgeable and experienced lawyer can help you pursue the city agency and assist you in recovering damages.
