What does governmental immunity prevent?

Governmental immunity prevents claims against governmental entities without their consent. This legal doctrine is designed to protect state and local governments from being sued for certain actions or omissions made in the course of their official duties. It reflects the principle that a government should not be easily subject to litigation, as it could hinder its ability to perform essential functions and provide services to the public.

This immunity means that if someone were to suffer harm due to the actions or negligence of a government entity, they typically cannot file a lawsuit without the government's consent, which is often granted through specific statutes or procedures. Understanding this concept is crucial, especially in contexts like healthcare, where the government may operate hospitals or provide emergency services.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the implications of governmental immunity. For instance, governmental immunity does not stop government entities from regulating emergency services, nor does it address actions against private individuals or negligence claims involving private entities, as those fall under different legal frameworks.