California's Tort Law covers noncriminal, or civil, wrongdoings that cause harm or injury in some manner. It establishes grounds for a lawsuit.Learn about the rules and procedures for filing a personal injury lawsuit against the state of California or a local California government. In a successful tort suit, the plaintiff recovers his damages from the defendant or defendants who caused the harm. In general, you have to sue someone (file the papers in court) within 2 years from the date of the injury. Figure out what happened and who did it. Make notes for yourself before you begin to fill out forms. You must fill out an Answer, serve the plaintiff, and file your Answer form with the court. Generally, this is due within 30 days after you were served. Many agencies and municipalities, on the other hand, have claim forms that individuals can fill out to notify them of a claim.