Federal, state, and local governments control much of our everyday life these days, and they have a vast number of employees. Bringing suit against the government can be very tricky. There are often issues of governmental immunity. Sometimes there are issues about when you will be able to receive the compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n
Governmental Immunity<\/strong><\/p>\n Governmental immunity grants many federal, state, and local governments immunity from tort claims in some cases. This means that generally lawsuits cannot be brought against federal, state, or local governments or their employees. However, there are many exceptions. For example, some claims in Illinois cannot be heard in circuit courts but can be brought in a special Court of Claims. Another example is that some statutes provide exceptions\u2014such as U.S.C. Section 1983, which allows plaintiffs to bring claims who were deprived of their constitutional rights by an official\u2019s abuse of his or her position. Also, while Illinois\u2019s Tort Immunity Act generally protects local governments, a local government or employee may be liable for willful and wanton conduct or for quasi-intentional conduct. A government entity can also waive the immunity. For example, a state legislature may be able to waive immunity, making government entities liable. An entity can also waive immunity by contract.<\/p>\n Even if an exception applies or immunity is waived, an attorney\u2019s assistance is essential to get the compensation you deserve. The government may offer too little in a settlement\u2014or there could even be a delay in getting your compensation because the budget is in deadlock.<\/p>\n