By Pierce Blitch
Don’t Miss Your Chance to File a Claim
If you think you have time, think again. In Georgia, while you have two years to file a lawsuit in court for personal injury or wrongful death, you only have six months to present a notice of claim to a city government. Whether it’s due to negligent operation of a city vehicle, dangerous conditions on city property, or a missing traffic sign, the clock is ticking.
Understanding Ante Litem Notices
O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5 mandates that a claim be presented to a city government within six months of the incident. This “ante litem notice” must detail the time, place, extent of the injury, and the negligence involved. Without this notice, you cannot take legal action.
Timing is Everything
For wrongful death claims, the six-month period starts on the date of death, not the date of the injury. This ensures that families have a clear starting point for their claims.
Precision vs. Substantial Compliance
While you need to be specific about the injury details, substantial compliance is usually enough. This is more lenient compared to the strict requirements for state government claims under the Georgia Tort Claims Act.
Exceptions and Cautions
There are few exceptions to this six-month rule, such as mental incapacity, which may “toll” or pause the deadline. However, relying on these exceptions can be risky.
Contact Us for Help
If you or a loved one has a serious injury or wrongful death claim against a city government in Georgia, act quickly. Don’t let the clock run out on your chance for justice.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every personal injury case has potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible representation. At The Blitch Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a personal injury case can take. If you, a family member, or a close friend has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our dedicated personal injury strategies with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
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