Overview
The Brandi Law Firm's attorneys have unique experience with cases involving dangerous roads or public property. We have successfully represented drivers and pedestrians injured because of defectively designed or improperly maintained roads, intersections, highways, and safety equipment for decades.
Our founder, Thomas J. Brandi began his career working for the California Department of Transportation. His in-depth knowledge has helped our law firm provide targeted representation for clients injured in accidents caused by dangerous public property. This insider perspective gives us a significant advantage in understanding how government agencies design, maintain, and operate roadways and public infrastructure.
Dangerous conditions of public property matters are more difficult and complex than those against private entities. This is because public entities may have certain immunities from lawsuits and different deadlines in which to file a claim. Our reputation for success in these complex cases often leads other lawyers to refer cases to us to litigate and serve as trial counsel.
Types of Cases We Handle
Dangerous Road Conditions
Accidents caused by potholes, crumbling pavement, unmarked hazards, inadequate lighting, improperly designed roadways, deficient pavement, and more.
Missing or Defective Guardrails
Injuries worsened because a guardrail or median barrier was absent, improperly placed, or failed to function as designed during a collision.
Defective Traffic Signals
Accidents caused by malfunctioning traffic lights, inadequate signal timing, missing signals at dangerous intersections, or obscured stop signs.
Dangerous Intersections
Collisions occurring at intersections with poor visibility, inadequate turn lanes, confusing lane markings, or insufficient pedestrian crossing time.
Understanding California Law
Under California Government Code section 835, a public entity may be liable for injuries caused by a dangerous condition of its property if the condition created a reasonably foreseeable risk of injury, the entity had actual or constructive notice of the condition, and the entity had sufficient time to take corrective action.
Claims against government entities in California are subject to the Government Claims Act, which generally requires filing an administrative claim within six months of the injury. Failure to file within this shorter deadline may result in the loss of your right to sue. This is one of the most critical deadlines in personal injury law, and consulting an attorney promptly is essential.
These cases are difficult and often involve multiple potentially applicable immunities. The attorneys at The Brandi Law Firm have vast experience in litigating cases against government entities to get around immunities and present the Plaintiff's case in the strongest light possible.
Potential Compensation
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to pursue compensation for the following types of damages:
Our Process
Urgent Evaluation
Government claims have shorter deadlines than other personal injury cases. We prioritize these matters and move quickly to evaluate your claim and preserve your rights.
Condition Documentation
We dispatch investigators to document the dangerous condition before it is repaired. We photograph, measure, and catalog the hazard that caused your injury.
Government Records Review
Drawing on our experience with public agencies, we obtain maintenance records, design plans, complaint histories, and prior accident reports to demonstrate the entity knew or should have known about the danger.
Administrative Claim Filing
We prepare and file the required government claim within the applicable deadline, preserving your right to pursue your case.
Litigation & Resolution
If the government entity denies your claim, we file suit and leverage our extensive experience in public entity litigation to pursue a fair outcome through settlement or at trial.
What Sets Us Apart
Notable Case Results
The results described below are representative of past outcomes. Each case is unique. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family v. City of San Francisco
Represented families of an adult and four children under 7 who perished in a fire due to inadequate maintenance in public housing.
Parents v. City of San Francisco and State of California
All three children (aged 11, 17, and 20) killed when tow truck catapulted off road and landed on their vehicle.
Pedestrian v. Utility Company
Client walking on sidewalk when underground transformer exploded, causing severe burns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue the government for a dangerous road condition?
Yes, government entities can potentially be held liable for dangerous conditions of their property, including roads and highways. However, these claims have special procedures and shorter filing deadlines than other personal injury cases. It is critical to consult with an attorney promptly.
How long do I have to file a claim against a government entity?
Generally, you must file an administrative claim with the government entity within six months of the injury. This is significantly shorter than the typical personal injury statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can bar your claim entirely, so prompt legal consultation is essential.
What is design immunity?
Design immunity is a defense available to government entities that may shield them from liability when the dangerous condition resulted from an approved design plan. However, this immunity may not apply if conditions changed after the original design was approved or if the design was never properly reviewed. Our attorneys have experience overcoming design immunity arguments.
What makes The Brandi Law Firm different in dangerous public property cases?
Our founder, Thomas J. Brandi, began his career as a lawyer for the California Department of Transportation. This insider knowledge gives us a unique understanding of how government agencies design, maintain, and defend road infrastructure. Other attorneys regularly refer their most complex government liability cases to us.
Attorney Advertising. The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. To understand how the law applies to your specific situation, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been affected by dangerous public property, contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Contact Us(888) 309-1224Our Track Record
- Over 200 Years Of Combined Experience
- Focused Exclusively On Personal Injury
- Licensed In California, Nevada, And Arizona
- More Than $1.75 billion In Verdicts & Settlements
- A Reputation The Insurance Companies Take Seriously
- You Pay Nothing Unless We Get Compensation For You
- Always Prepared To Go To Trial If Negotiations Break Down
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Personal Injury
When coping with a personal injury, the recovery process should be your only focus. Our attorneys are dedicated to pursuing fair compensation under the law.
Learn MoreAuto Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death. Our lawyers scrutinize every potential cause of collision.
Learn MorePremises Liability
Property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. When that duty is breached and someone is injured, we hold owners accountable.
Learn MoreReady to Discuss Your Case?
If you've been injured in San Francisco due to the fault of someone else, we're here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Over 200 Years Of Combined Experience