Ryan Bradley | April 1, 2025 | Sovereign Immunity
At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are often contacted by individuals seeking justice after being injured due to the negligence of a state, city, or local government agency. These cases are among the most complex in personal injury law—and they come with significant legal hurdles, including sovereign immunity and statutory caps on damages.
A recent case in Missouri illustrates exactly how these limitations can deny full justice to deserving victims.
Jury Awards $1.5 Million—But Missouri’s Sovereign Immunity Cap Slashes the Verdict
In a case eerily similar to one we are currently handling in Illinois, a City of St. Louis jury awarded $1.54 million to a man who suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a falling tree limb in a public park. But the victory was short-lived. On March 19, the court reduced the award to just $517,306—the maximum allowed under Missouri’s sovereign immunity laws for claims against public entities in 2022.
What Happened?
Phillip Lacey was sitting on a bench in Lindenwood Park in June 2022 when a large branch from a pin oak tree broke off and struck him. He suffered a fractured skull, broken neck, fractured orbital bones, and a fractured ankle.
According to his attorney, the City of St. Louis failed to fulfill its legal duty to inspect and maintain public trees. Despite an ordinance requiring a written tree inspection and maintenance plan, city officials were unable to produce one at trial. The Forestry Commissioner even testified that he was unaware of the requirement. Instead of proactively managing tree safety, the city relied on citizen complaints—a system that ultimately failed to protect Mr. Lacey.
The Problem with Sovereign Immunity Caps
Even though the jury found the City liable and determined the damages exceeded $1.5 million, Missouri law capped the award at $517,306 per person for public entity claims in 2022 (the cap adjusts annually for inflation).
This illustrates a sobering reality: no matter how compelling the facts or how catastrophic the injuries, the law imposes a financial ceiling on what victims can recover from government entities.
What Is Sovereign Immunity?
Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine rooted in the idea that the government cannot be sued without its consent. In Missouri, and in every other state, laws have been enacted that waive immunity in limited circumstances, such as:
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Dangerous conditions of public property (like unsafe trees, sidewalks, or roads)
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Motor vehicle accidents involving public employees
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Negligence by certain public officials or agencies
Even when a valid exception applies, strict damage caps apply to limit how much a city, county, or state can be ordered to pay—even after a full jury trial.
Why This Matters for Missouri Injury Victims
For victims with life-altering injuries, these laws can feel incredibly unjust. A jury may agree that the government acted recklessly or failed to follow its own safety ordinances—but sovereign immunity may still drastically limit their compensation.
That’s why it’s critical to work with a legal team that understands how to navigate these complex claims and maximize the compensation allowed by law.
We Handle Complex Government Liability Claims
At Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience handling cases involving sovereign immunity across Missouri, Illinois, and beyond. We’ve successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients injured due to government negligence—despite the legal obstacles that often stand in the way.
We know how to:
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Identify whether your case qualifies under an exception to sovereign immunity
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Investigate failures by state or city agencies
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Push back against immunity defenses
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Fight to ensure your rights are protected under the law
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of a government entity, don’t navigate this legal minefield alone. Call Bradley Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the justice you deserve—even when the odds seem stacked against you.