§ 815 Public Entity Immunity Limits

Government Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that government groups and their workers usually can't be sued for causing injuries, unless a different law says otherwise.

Key Takeaways

•Government entities are usually immune from lawsuits for injuries they cause.
•They can only be sued if a separate law says they may be liable.
•Any defenses they have are the same as those a private person would have.

Example

A city bus hits a pedestrian, and the injured person wants to sue the city for medical bills.

Because of this rule, the city and its employee generally can't be sued for that injury unless another law specifically allows it.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 815 Public Entity Immunity Limits

Except as otherwise provided by statute: (a) A public entity is not liable for an injury, whether such injury arises out of an act or omission of the public entity or a public employee or any other person. (b) The liability of a public entity established by this part (commencing with Section 814) is subject to any immunity of the public entity provided by statute, including this part, and is subject to any defenses that would be available to the public entity if it were a private person. (Added by Stats. 1963, Ch. 1681.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

immunity public entity liability injury employee

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Government Code. Section 815.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References