Sec. 21. In any action brought against a governmental entity in tort, the court may allow attorney's fees as part of the costs to the governmental entity prevailing as defendant, if the court finds that plaintiff:
(1) brought the action on a claim that is frivolous, unreasonable, or groundless;
(2) continued to litigate the action after plaintiff's claim clearly became frivolous, unreasonable, or groundless; or
(3) litigated its action in bad faith.
This award of fees does not prevent a governmental entity from bringing an action against the plaintiff for abuse of process arising in whole or in part on the same facts, but the defendant may not recover such attorney's fees twice.
[Pre-1998 Recodification Citation: 34-4-16.5-19.]
As added by P.L.1-1998, SEC.8.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 34. Civil Law and Procedure
Article 13. Causes of Action: Claims Against the Government
Chapter 3. Tort Claims Against Governmental Entities and Public Employees
34-13-3-0.1. Application of Certain Amendments to Chapter
34-13-3-0.2. Application of Certain Amendments to Prior Law
34-13-3-1. Applicability of Chapter
34-13-3-2. Applicability of Chapter
34-13-3-2.3. Applicability of Chapter to Ncsl 2020 Legislative Summit Host Committee
34-13-3-3. Immunity of Governmental Entity or Employee
34-13-3-4. Limitation on Aggregate Liability; Punitive Damages Prohibited
34-13-3-6. Notice to Attorney General and State Agency Involved
34-13-3-7. Administrative Claim for Inmate's Recovery of Property
34-13-3-8. Claims Against Political Subdivisions; Notice Requirement
34-13-3-9. Incapacitated Plaintiffs; Notice Requirement
34-13-3-10. Notice Requirement; Form of Statement
34-13-3-11. Approval or Denial of Claim by Government Entity
34-13-3-12. Notice Requirements; Service
34-13-3-13. Denial of Claim as Prerequisite to Suit
34-13-3-14. Compromise or Settlement of Claim by Governor
34-13-3-15. Attorney General; Powers and Duties
34-13-3-16. Compromise or Settlement of Claim by Political Subdivision
34-13-3-17. Enforcement of Judgments Against Governmental Entities
34-13-3-18. Time for Payment of Claim or Judgment; Interest Rate
34-13-3-19. Applicability of Ic 34-13-3-18; Settlement
34-13-3-20. Liability Insurance; Prohibitions
34-13-3-21. Attorney's Fees; Allowance to Governmental Entity; Action for Abuse of Process
34-13-3-22. Persons or Entities Considered Political Subdivisions
34-13-3-23. Structured Settlement; Discharge; Limits
34-13-3-24. Appropriations for Payment of Claims and Expenses
34-13-3-25. Presentation of Vouchers and Issuance of Warrants for Appropriations