Learn about the rules and procedures for filing a personal injury lawsuit against the state of California or a local California government. Within six months from the date the tort claim arises against any form of government, a victim is required to notify it of the injury and potential claim.In general, you have to sue someone within a certain amount of time of something happening. This is called the statute of limitations. Prop 51 is used to discourage plaintiffs from filing lawsuits against entities simply because they have "deep pockets," or lots of money. File Claim Against City Form. File Claim Against City Form (PDF). In most cases, the duty is to use reasonable care. You may be able to obtain compensation from the person or group at fault if you are able to clearly and effectively demonstrate that the case is a tort. This Practice Note outlines the key elements for establishing a claim in Negligence.