Claims against Indiana government entities are governed by the Indiana Tort Claims Act. The Act waives governmental immunity for many negligent acts but imposes strict procedures that do not apply to ordinary cases.
When the Government Is the Defendant
Common examples include crashes with municipal buses or police vehicles, injuries from poorly maintained public roads, and falls in government buildings or parks.
The Notice Deadlines Are Short
You must serve a written tort-claim notice within 180 days when the defendant is a political subdivision (a city, county, town, or school corporation) and within 270 days when the defendant is the State of Indiana.
The notice must describe the circumstances, the extent of the loss, and the relief sought. Missing the deadline or omitting required information can end the claim before it begins.
Damage Caps Apply
The Act limits the amount recoverable against government defendants. These caps can significantly affect the value of a serious claim, which makes identifying every potentially responsible non-government party important.
Why Speed Matters Here Most of All
Because the notice window can be as short as 180 days, government cases demand immediate attention. If any part of your injury might involve a public entity, treat the timeline as urgent and get a free case review right away.
Have questions about your own situation? Get a free, confidential case review. You pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Indiana attorney.