What is the Texas Tort Claims Act?

The Texas Tort Claims Act is indeed a statute that allows individuals to sue the state for negligence. This law was enacted to waive the state's sovereign immunity in certain circumstances, enabling citizens to bring claims against state government entities when they are harmed by the negligence of state employees acting within the scope of their employment. The Act outlines specific guidelines and limitations regarding such lawsuits, including the types of claims permitted and the circumstances under which the state can be held liable.

For example, claims related to motor vehicle accidents involving state employees or premises liability cases where hazardous conditions lead to injury are typically permissible under this law. This framework ensures that while the state has a degree of protection against legal actions, there are clear pathways for individuals seeking accountability for governmental negligence. The focus on negligence rather than other forms of liability underscores the Act's intent to address harmful actions that arise from the carelessness of state agents while fulfilling their duties.