Q: Do I retain the right to sue after filing a Notice of Claim against Water Valley Housing Authority in Mississippi?

I need advice on Mississippi law regarding a Notice of Claim I submitted to the Water Valley Housing Authority in March 2025. I initiated this notice to protect my right to sue, following issues that began in April 2024 relating to my eviction from government-funded apartments. The management allegedly lied under oath, with claims transitioning from civil to criminal. Given that the Notice of Claim was filed, do I still retain the right to pursue legal action?

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James L. Arrasmith
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A: In Mississippi, filing a Notice of Claim is an important step when pursuing legal action against a government entity like the Water Valley Housing Authority. The notice typically serves as a formal way to notify the agency of your intention to file a lawsuit, which is required before you can proceed with litigation in many cases. By submitting the notice, you are preserving your right to take legal action, but the exact time frame for pursuing that claim may be limited by state law.

After filing the Notice of Claim, you should wait for the designated response period, which is usually 90 days, before taking further legal steps. If the Housing Authority does not respond, or if their response does not resolve the issue, you may be able to move forward with your lawsuit. This includes pursuing both civil and criminal aspects of your case, depending on the circumstances.

To ensure that you're following all legal procedures correctly and to strengthen your case, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who is familiar with Mississippi’s laws regarding claims against government entities. They can help clarify any additional steps you need to take and assist with the filing of your lawsuit if the Housing Authority fails to resolve the matter.

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