When Government Negligence Causes Harm: Personal Injury Cases Against Public Entities in California

Government agencies exist to serve and protect the public. But when carelessness, neglect, or misconduct by a city, county, or state agency causes injury or death, the damage can be profound — both physically and emotionally.

From car accidents involving government vehicles to unsafe public spaces or neglect inside jails, these incidents raise a crucial question: Who is responsible when the government fails to protect its citizens?

In California, victims have the right to hold public entities accountable through personal injury and civil rights lawsuits. At the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC, we help victims and families pursue justice against government negligence — and ensure that those in power are not above the law.

Examples of Government Negligence in California

Negligence by public entities can occur in countless ways, often with life-altering consequences. Common examples include:

• Car crashes involving police, fire, or public works vehicles
• Neglect in jails and prisons, resulting in injury or death
• Failure to maintain safe roads, sidewalks, or public buildings
• School negligence, leading to student injuries or abuse
• Medical neglect in county or state facilities
• Excessive force or misconduct by police officers
• Failure to train or supervise government employees

Each of these cases involves a violation of public trust — and in many, a breach of constitutional rights.

The Law Governing Public Entity Liability

In California, suing a government agency involves special rules. The California Government Claims Act (Gov. Code § 810 et seq.) establishes strict procedures and deadlines for filing claims against public entities.

Key points include:

• A government claim must be filed within six months of the incident.
• The claim must detail what happened, who was involved, and the damages suffered.
• If denied, victims can then file a lawsuit in state or federal court.

These deadlines are short — missing them can permanently bar recovery. That’s why early legal representation is essential.

Civil Rights Violations by Government Officials

When the negligence of a public employee goes beyond carelessness and becomes a violation of constitutional rights, victims can also file federal civil rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.

Examples include:

• Police brutality or excessive force
• Wrongful arrest or detention
• Denial of medical care in custody
• Retaliation for exercising free speech or protest rights

These cases not only seek compensation but also aim to reform policies, retrain personnel, and protect future victims.

Damages Available in Government Negligence Cases

Victims injured by government negligence may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Property damage
• Punitive damages, in cases of deliberate misconduct
• Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

While no amount of money can undo the harm, compensation provides stability, accountability, and validation for victims who were wronged by those in authority.

When Negligence Turns Deadly

Government negligence doesn’t always result in minor injuries — it can cost lives. Wrongful death cases involving public entities often include:

• Jail deaths caused by medical neglect or suicide prevention failures
• Police shootings involving unnecessary or excessive force
• Fatal accidents caused by unsafe road conditions or reckless public drivers
• Failure to protect individuals in government care, such as vulnerable patients or children

In these cases, families can file both wrongful death and survival actions, ensuring accountability for the loss of life and the suffering endured.

Christian Contreras: Holding the Government Accountable

Christian Contreras has built a reputation as one of California’s leading civil rights and personal injury trial attorneys. Known for taking on powerful government agencies, he has achieved multimillion-dollar results for victims and families harmed by negligence and abuse of authority.

Notable results include:

• $6,000,000 jury verdict in a police shooting case (zero pretrial offer).
• $8,500,000 settlement in a jail death case.
• $3,300,000 jury verdict in another in-custody neglect case.

Recognized by the Daily Journal as a Top Boutique Law Firm in California (2024) and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Christian and his team combine precision, integrity, and relentless advocacy.

How the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC Can Help

Our firm’s experience spans both personal injury and civil rights law, giving clients a unique advantage in cases involving government negligence. We:

1. Investigate independently to uncover negligence or policy failures.
2. File timely government claims to preserve victims’ rights.
3. Work with medical, forensic, and law enforcement experts to build a strong case.
4. Pursue justice through negotiation or trial — never settling for less than full accountability.

We treat every case as if it’s going to trial because justice demands preparation, not compromise.

Why These Cases Matter

Holding government entities accountable does more than help one victim — it drives reform. Each case shines a light on systemic failures, leading to:

• Improved training and supervision for public employees.
• Better policies on safety, medical care, and use of force.
• Greater transparency and accountability within agencies.
• Safer communities statewide.

Litigation is often the only tool that ensures public institutions fulfill their duty to protect — not endanger — the people they serve.

Conclusion: Justice for the People, Accountability for the Powerful

When government negligence causes harm, victims deserve justice — not excuses. No agency, officer, or institution is above the law.

At the Law Offices of Christian Contreras, PLC, we fight for Californians injured or betrayed by the very systems meant to protect them. With compassion, skill, and an unwavering sense of justice, we help clients uncover the truth, hold officials accountable, and demand lasting reform.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury, abuse, or loss because of government negligence, don’t wait — time is limited. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

📞 Call now or visit www.ChristianContrerasLaw.com — because justice belongs to everyone, not just those in power.