Is It Possible to Sue a Government Agency for an Accident in Michigan?

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If you’ve been injured in an accident and you believe it was due to someone else’s negligence, the logical thing to do is file a personal injury claim to recoup your losses. In most cases, filing a claim is relatively straightforward, but what if a government agency or government employee injured you?

It’s possible to sue a government agency in Michigan, but it’s not easy. Calling a personal injury lawyer with Christensen Law to discuss your options is a good first step.

What Michigan Law Has to Say


The government, which includes city, county, and state employees, is protected by something called sovereign immunity, which is outlined in the Governmental Tort Liability Act. Basically, the act protects the state government from being sued while performing government functions.

There are some exceptions to this rule, however.

Exceptions to the Rule


  • Maintaining Public Highways – It is the government’s duty to ensure your safety on public roads. If the government fails to maintain the roads properly and you are injured as a result, you can sue for your losses.
  • Medical Care and Treatment Provided to Patients – Government medical agencies can be held liable for medical negligence under certain conditions.
  • Sewage Disposal Systems – If a sewage or draining incident occurred and you were injured because of it, the government can be held responsible if negligence is discovered.
  • Public Building Defects – If you were hurt in a government building, the government agency can be held liable if it is determined that the accident was preventable.
  • Negligently Operating a Government Vehicle – If a driver operates a government vehicle and injures someone as a result of negligence, the corresponding government agency can be held responsible for the employee’s error.

Call a Michigan Injury Attorney


If you’re wondering whether your injuries qualify you for personal injury compensation from a Michigan government agency, call a Michigan accident attorney with Christensen Law. We are well-versed in personal injury law, including the law as it pertains to negligent government agencies and employees.

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation, so call us today at 248-900-9000 or fill out the form below.