Public Entity Liability and Civil Rights

Public Entity Liability and Civil Rights Attorneys

Our firm has over 20 years of experience in handling public entity liability matters in the civil courts. A significant strength of the firm is the regional representation we can provide insurers and self-insureds. The practice group is capable of defending public entities in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Florida, Delaware, Ohio, and New York, and in the various administrative agencies.

Public entity liability encompasses a broad range of claims against local governments and townships, including claims against police departments, zoning boards, and school districts. Our attorneys have defended local governments against claims of:

• excessive force by police
• improper police pursuit
• failure to maintain real estate or highways
• negligent design of roads
• inadequate traffic control devices.

Members of our firm have also defended zoning boards in:

• land use claims
• claims arising from political or racial discrimination.

Our representation of school districts has included:

• claims alleging improper student discipline
• inappropriate student contact
• school bus accidents
• claims arising under the Rehabilitation Act
• Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act

The public entity liability group has also handled various employment liability matters on behalf of governmental agencies, such as:

• claims of violation of the Police Tenure Act
• claims of discrimination in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act
• the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• the Family Medical Leave Act
• Title VII
• and other federal and state statutes.

Our civil rights practice involves defending claims which allege deprivation of an individual's civil rights by a public entity. Such claims are brought under 42 U.S.C. 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, and 1986 and may be "stand alone" claims brought by third parties or may be brought by employees and combined with claims of employment discrimination.

We handle every case with a practical, result-oriented approach which balances strong representation of our clients with realistic cost containment. We would welcome the opportunity to work with you in handling your public entity and civil rights litigation. We are also available to give presentations and conduct training seminars at your location or ours.

Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin serves clients in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale, and communities throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio, Florida, and New York.

Inquiries and referrals concerning these matters should be directed to: