Elite Representation for Government Liability and Personal Injury Claims
In Prescott, a tort claim against a public entity—whether it’s the City of Prescott, Yavapai County, or the State of Arizona—is governed by strict, unforgiving deadlines. As of March 2026, the Yavapai County Superior Court enforces the procedural mandates of A.R.S. § 12-821.01 with clinical precision, making the first 180 days following an injury the most critical window for your legal recovery.
At Burnham Law, we specialize in preventing the “procedural forfeiture” of your rights. Whether your claim involves a Yavapai County Sheriff’s vehicle, a hazardous roadway maintained by ADOT, or negligence by a local municipality, our team ensures your Notice of Claim is technically flawless and filed with the correct authorized agent.
Associate Attorney - Civil Litigation / Probate and Estate Planning
Prescott, Arizona
Bryon has more than a decade of experience in probate, trust administration, and estate planning. His probate experience includes contesting fraudulent wills and litigating terms of estate plan documents. In preparing estate plans, Bryon emphasizes helping clients pass on as much of their estates to their loved ones as possible through careful and regular review by clients. Bryon also has experience in representing landlords in evictions, contracts, commercial sales transactions, public bidding, and special taxing districts. When not serving clients, Bryon enjoys camping, off-roading, and traveling with his family.
Client Development / Civil Litigation and Estate Planning
Prescott, Arizona
Erin has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on employment litigation, business and commercial disputes, and appellate matters. She also has significant experience in estate planning and probate, advising individuals and families on preserving their legacies and guiding them through the probate process with clarity and compassion. In addition to her private practice work, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals. She also previously clerked for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process.
Associate Attorney - Domestic Relations, Civil Litigation, and Probate
Prescott, Arizona
Paul brings extensive experience in various areas of law, including juvenile, family, and probate and estate planning. He graduated from Franklin Pierce Law Center (Concord, NH) and was subsequently admitted to the Arizona Bar. He began his career with a family law firm in Phoenix before moving to north-central Arizona to work with a firm specializing in insurance defense. In 2004, he established his own practice in Cottonwood, AZ, focusing on juvenile law, family law, and probate and estate planning, and has successfully represented clients in municipal, justice, tribal, and superior courts across Arizona. His commitment to justice is demonstrated by his work in alternative dispute resolution, including mediation training and teaching the Parent Education Course for the Yavapai County Superior Court for eight years, as well as his judicial service as the Presiding Magistrate of the Camp Verde Municipal Court (2014) and the Sedona Magistrate Court (2021). He was recently appointed as Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem...
2026 Tort Claim Framework: The “Notice of Claim” Requirement
Arizona law mandates a preliminary administrative step before you can sue a government entity. Failure to complete this step correctly results in a permanent bar to your claim.
The 2026 “Sum Certain” & Evidence Standard
Per A.R.S. § 12-821.01, your Notice of Claim must include a specific dollar amount for which you are willing to settle. Recent 2026 court clarifications emphasize that:
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Facts Supporting the Amount: You must provide a clear evidentiary basis for your demand.
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Avoid Ambiguity: Recent case law (e.g., Terborg v. Town of Payson) highlights that while minor clerical inconsistencies might be excused, the “Sum Certain” must be discernible. We audit your demand to ensure it is “dismissal-proof.”
2026 Legal Updates: Strategic Leverage in Yavapai County
The 2026 legal landscape has introduced critical updates that we leverage for your claim:
1. Mandatory E-Filing & Digital Records
Effective February 2026, all civil litigation in Yavapai County requires mandatory e-filing through AZTurboCourt or eFileAZ.
2. HB 25-1090: Protection Against “Junk Fees” in Recovery
If your tort claim involves medical treatment or expert evaluations, the Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices Act (effective 2026) protects you:
3. Rule 26.10: Rights Restoration for Claimants
In cases where a tort claim involves a dispute over professional licenses or civil status (often seen in employment-related torts), 2026 updates provide a streamlined path for the automatic restoration of rights once a settlement or judgment is satisfied.
2026 Prescott Tort Roadmap: Where to File
Identifying the correct agent for service is a frequent “trap.” In Prescott, we manage filings for:
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City of Prescott Claims: Filed with the Prescott City Clerk (201 S. Cortez St.).
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Yavapai County Claims: Filed with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors (1015 Fair St.).
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State of Arizona Claims: Filed with the Attorney General or the specific state agency head.
Why Choose Burnham Law for Prescott Tort Matters
In the 8th Judicial District, a tort claim is won or lost on the paperwork long before a jury is seated. Burnham Law offers:
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Clinical Accuracy: We specialize in the “180-Day Rule,” ensuring your notice contains the required “Sum Certain” and supporting facts.
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Appellate Insight: Led by experts like Brian Teed, we understand how the Arizona Court of Appeals reviews tort dismissals, giving us an edge in drafting “appeal-proof” notices.
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Local Presence: We are intimately familiar with the judges and court staff at the Yavapai County Superior Court (120 S. Cortez St.) and the Prescott Justice Court.
Take Action Today
If you have been injured by a public entity in Northern Arizona, your 180-day clock is already ticking. Missing this deadline is a fatal error that cannot be undone. Contact Burnham Law to schedule a strategic tort claim consultation: 📞 Call 928.771.8277 📍 Prescott Office: 136 Grove Avenue, Prescott, AZ 86301 📅 Schedule a Consultation Online
