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.
Attorney Thomas Brandi was a former lawyer 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.
Our lawyers investigate possible public property liability in every case because it is difficult to recognize and is often overlooked. Many injuries attributed solely to driver error may actually involve a dangerous road condition, deficient traffic control device, or poorly designed intersection.
Types of Cases We Handle
Dangerous Road Conditions
Accidents caused by potholes, crumbling pavement, unmarked hazards, missing guardrails, inadequate lighting, and improperly designed roadways.
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.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Injuries sustained on commercial or public property due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or other hazardous conditions.
Construction Site Hazards
Injuries to workers or bystanders caused by unsafe conditions at construction sites, including falling objects, open excavations, and inadequate barriers.
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.
California law imposes a duty on property owners and occupiers to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. For private property, the duty depends on the foreseeability of the harm and the relationship between the property owner and the injured person. For public property, additional rules regarding design immunity and governmental discretion may apply.
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 at trial or through settlement.
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. State of California
The jury found that the State should have placed a center median barrier on the road which would have prevented this crossover accident.
Pedestrian v. Driver, State of California
Evidence at trial showed that the State of California did not provide enough time for pedestrians to cross the street legally.
Family v. City of San Francisco
We represented the families of an adult and four children under 7-years-old who perished in a fire that was allowed to spread due to inadequate maintenance in a public housing unit.
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 premises liability cases?
Our founder, Thomas Brandi, was formerly 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.
Can I sue a property owner if I slipped and fell in their store?
Property owners generally have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. If you were injured due to a hazardous condition that the owner knew about or should have discovered, you may have a premises liability claim. The strength of the claim depends on the specific facts, including how long the condition existed and whether the owner took reasonable steps to address it.
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 premises liability & dangerous property, contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Contact Us(888) 309-1224Our Track Record
- More Than 150 Years Of Combined Experience
- Focused Exclusively On Personal Injury
- Licensed In California, Nevada, Arizona And Washington
- More Than $1.6 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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Learn MoreReady to Discuss Your Case?
If you've been seriously injured due to someone else's negligence, contact us for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
More Than 150 Years Of Combined Experience