Public Entity Representation & Defense

Public Entity Counsel, Representation & Defense

Counsel

Every decision you make is influenced by State and Federal statutes and regulations, local ordinances, and even the public you serve. Some decisions will be less popular than others. We draw upon our decades of experience representing municipalities and other public entities, helping you understand the possible unintended consequences of those decisions and mitigating your potential risk exposure.

Plaintiff Representation

We understand what it means for you to bring a lawsuit against another party; it's a difficult decision. Still, sometimes it is your only or best course of action. We have successfully represented entities' claims for breach of contract, failure to perform, malpractice, and numerous other issues, including procuring an $11.5 million settlement.

Litigation Defense 

Even with the best planning and risk mitigation, governments and public entities will be sued. We at Birdsall & Laughlin have many years of comprehensive experience in handling law suits brought against public entities, representing insurers, self-insured municipal entities and joint insurance funds in state and federal courts. Public entity liability encompasses a broad range of claims against Counties and local governments, including claims against sheriff’s offices, corrections departments, Wardens, police departments, zoning boards, and planning boards. Our attorneys have defended local governments against claims of:
  • excessive force by sheriff’s officers
  • improper police pursuit
  • failure to maintain municipal property or highways
  • negligent design of roads
  • inadequate or malfunctioning traffic control devices
  • failure to provide inmates with access to medical care
  • failure to protect inmates from physical harm
  • negligent failure to maintain a movable bridge
  • Civil Rights claims alleging a deprivation of an individual's civil rights pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, and 1986
Members of our firm have also defended zoning/planning boards in:
  • land use claims
  • actions in lieu of prerogative writs
We also have experience handling various employment liability matters on behalf of governmental agencies, such as:
  • wrongful termination of municipal employees
  • claims of discrimination in violation of the NJ Law Against Discrimination
  • Title VII and other federal and state statutes
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