Texas injury law
The Texas Tort Claims Act Explained
If you're injured by a government vehicle, a city bus, or a dangerous condition on public property, your claim follows a completely different set of rules. Texas government entities enjoy sovereign immunity — the legal doctrine that you can't sue the government unless it consents. The Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) is the law that consents, but only in narrow circumstances, with shorter deadlines, and with damage caps. Here's what every injured Texan should know. For city-specific resources, see our Texas accident guides.
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Prepared by Texas Settlement Calculator Editorial Team · Published 2026-08-16 · Editorial standards
When the TTCA waives immunity
The TTCA waives sovereign immunity in two main situations: personal injury caused by the negligence of a government employee operating a motor vehicle (a city bus, a police car, a sanitation truck), and injuries caused by a dangerous condition on government property (a defective sidewalk, an unsafe public building). Outside these categories, the government generally retains immunity — meaning you can't sue at all.
The shorter deadlines
Government claims can involve notice requirements separate from the ordinary limitations period. CPRC § 101.101 generally provides a six-month TTCA notice period, recognizes lawful city-charter or ordinance notice provisions, and includes an actual-notice exception. The applicable governmental entity, notice provision, exceptions and limitations issues should be identified from the specific facts and law.
Damage caps under the TTCA
Even when immunity is waived, the TTCA caps damages. Under CPRC § 101.023, state-government liability is generally limited to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or death. Local-government limits are generally $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence, but municipalities have a separate $250,000-per-person/$500,000-per-occurrence limit. The statute also addresses property-damage limits and specific entity categories. These caps can affect available recovery. A private contractor or other party is relevant only when the facts and applicable law independently support responsibility.
What to do if a government entity is involved
A claim involving a governmental entity may be subject to TTCA notice provisions, entity-specific rules, statutory limits and exceptions that differ from an ordinary private-party claim. The applicable entity and notice requirements should be identified from the specific facts and current law. Get a free estimate of your claim's value for general educational context.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I sue the government for a personal injury in Texas?
Sometimes. The Texas Tort Claims Act waives sovereign immunity in narrow circumstances — mainly negligence by a government employee operating a motor vehicle and injuries from dangerous conditions on public property. Outside these categories, the government generally retains immunity.
What is the deadline to file a claim against a Texas government entity?
CPRC § 101.101 generally provides a six-month TTCA notice period, recognizes lawful city-charter or ordinance notice provisions, and includes an actual-notice exception. The applicable notice rule depends on the governmental entity and facts.
Are there damage caps for claims against Texas government entities?
Yes. CPRC § 101.023 sets different limits by governmental entity: state government generally $250,000 per person/$500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or death; local government generally $100,000/$300,000; and municipalities separately $250,000/$500,000. Applicability depends on the entity and statutory claim.
This tool produces a preliminary, non-binding estimate based on the information you provide and general personal-injury valuation methods. It is not legal advice, not a guarantee of any outcome, and not a substitute for review by a licensed attorney. Actual settlements and verdicts vary widely based on evidence, jurisdiction, insurance coverage, and many other factors. Texas Settlement Calculator is not a law firm and does not practice law; use of this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship.