You can sue California government entities like cities and counties, but you need to understand the California Government Claims Act. You can find it here: Govt Code § 810 et seq.
It’s complicated. What you need to understand is that California government entities have a lot of protection under the law. These entities may be immune from liability. Immunity means they cannot be held responsible for what they did or didn’t do. So even if a governmental entity somehow injuries you or your property, you may not be able to recover if the entity is immunity.
Let’s discuss some of the immunities.
California Governmental Immunity Under Govt Code § 815
This is a broad immunity which says a California governmental entity is immune unless another statute (law) says it’s not immune. See Govt Code § 815. This refers to limited sovereign immunity, which means a government entity is immune from liability unless another law says it’s not immune. For example, Govt Code § 835 explains when a government entity can be liable for a dangerous condition on public property.
California Governmental Immunity Under Govt Code § 815.2
This statute says a governmental entity is not liable for an injury caused by its employee, if the employee is not liable. This gets into respondeat superior, or agency liability. If a government employee is immune, then the government employer is immune.
California Governamental Immunity Under Govt Code § 818.2
A governmental entity is not liable for failing to adopt or enforce any law. That sounds crazy, but it’s the law. You can find it here. You cannot sue a California governmental entity for not enforcing the law. That also applies to licensing (Govt Code § 818.4) and negligent inspection of private property (Govt Code § 818.6).
California Governmental Immunity Under Govt Code § 831.2
This immunity comes into play if you have a Govt Code § 835 claim. Govt Code § 831.2 says neither a government employer nor a government employee is liable for an injury caused by a natural condition of any unimproved public property.
Conclusion
There are many more immunities. Consider Govt Code § 830.6 (design immunity), § 830.8 (failure to provide traffic signs), § 831 (dangerous conditions on streets due to weather), § 831.7 (hazardous recreational activities).
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