What is the time frame within which a plaintiff must give notice of a claim before filing suit against the State of Georgia?

In Georgia, when a plaintiff intends to file a claim against the state, they are required to provide notice of the claim to the state, and this notice must be given within a specified timeframe. The correct timeframe is 12 months from the date the loss is discovered.

This requirement is designed to ensure that the state has sufficient opportunity to investigate the claim and to facilitate a potential resolution before litigation is initiated. By imposing a notice requirement, the state seeks to promote efficiency and accountability, allowing for timely handling of claims.

Choosing a timeframe like six months from the date of loss, 90 days from the date of loss, or 12 months from the date the suit is filed would not align with the statutory provisions governing claims against the state, which specifically emphasizes the discovery of the loss as the critical point for determining the notice period. Therefore, understanding that the notice must reflect the time of discovery — as indicated in the correct answer — underscores the importance of timely communication regarding claims and aligns with the legislative framework designed for such matters in Georgia.