Can I Sue a Charity in Texas?
No one wants to take money from a charity. Most charitable and nonprofit organizations exist to do good — helping people, animals, or communities in need. However, there are times when someone working for or volunteering with a nonprofit causes serious injury to another person. In those situations, the injured party may have the right to seek compensation for their damages.
Can You Legally Sue a Charity?
Yes — you can sue a charity or nonprofit organization in Texas, but there are important legal limits on how much money you can recover. Texas law recognizes the value of charitable work and aims to protect nonprofits from excessive financial exposure. However, this protection is not absolute, and charities can still be held liable when their actions of their employees cause harm.
The Texas Charitable Immunity and Liability Act
Texas law governing this issue is found in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 84, known as the Charitable Immunity and Liability Act. This statute limits the amount of money damages that can be recovered from a charitable organization or its employees.
Under Section 84.005, if an employee of a non-hospital charitable organization causes injury while acting within the scope of their employment, their liability is capped at:
$500,000 per person for bodily injury or death
$1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or death
$100,000 per occurrence for property damage
Similarly, Section 84.006 limits the organization’s liability to those same amounts. In other words, even if the charity is found responsible, the maximum recovery is capped under the law — unless an exception applies.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Because these laws can be complex and full of exceptions, it’s critical to speak with an experienced Texas personal injury attorney if you were injured by someone associated with a charity or nonprofit. Certain acts of gross negligence, recklessness, or conduct outside the scope of charitable work may not be protected under Chapter 84.
