Are there any specific rules for suing a Georgia government entity for violating my rights in State Court?
Yes. In order to preserve the right to sue in state courts, you have to comply with strict “ante litem” or notice provisions; States are entitled to twelve (12) months (municipalities receive six (6) months) advanced written notice from the date of injury, before suing the State or Municipal entity; with Counties, the time-frame is twelve (12) months, as with the State, but you do NOT have to provide advanced written notice, as the filing of a complaint is deemed substantial compliance with the notice provisions. These statutes are very particular on who has to be sued AND that you have to prove that the proper written notice was actually received within the relevant six (6) or twelve (12) month period; you do NOT have to provide an individual actor with this notice, to preserve your right to sue. Because the law is so particular, this is something you will want to consult with an experienced attorney, before the requisite time runs out to provide the ante litem notice.
