08-16-2014, 04:07 AM
Typically people sue the public agency and also the individuals personally. When I was a public servant I was advised that the agency would provide legal counsel for me only to the extent that it protected their interests, and that they would not cover me personally. They did offer to pay 50% of insurance premiums for professional liability insurance should I choose to get it. Since this was the policy at two different agencies I worked for, I'm guessing its a standard. Some professionals are sued on a regular basis (doctors, police) and frivolous litigation lawsuits are just "part of the business".