FILING A CLAIM

Pursuant to the California Government Claims Act (Government Code sections 810-996.6), in most cases a claim must be filed if you are seeking money damages from the City and/or one of its employees. With very limited exceptions, no lawsuit for money damages may be brought against the City or its employees unless a written claim has been properly filed with the City.

You may download and print a Claim form here, or contact the City Clerk's Office to have one provided to you, . We ask that the claim form be completed thoroughly. Incomplete claims forms may result in delays in completing the investigation.

You may submit your completed Claims Form and attached documents by either mail or delivering directly to:
City of Laguna Beach
Attn:  City Clerk's Office
505 Forest Ave.
Laguna Beach, CA92651

Claims for death, injury to person or to personal property must be filed no longer than six (6) months after the date of occurrence (Government Code Section 911.2).

Any other claim, including, but not limited to, claims for damages to real property, must be filed no later than one (1) year after the occurrence (Government Code Section 911.2(a)). 

WARNING: THIS IS NOT INTENDED AS LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY TO DETERMINE THE TIME PERIOD FOR FILING EITHER A CLAIM OR A LAWSUIT.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Along with completing the Claim Form please attach supporting documentation. We recommend that you retain copies for your records. Documentation may include, but is not limited to:

PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIMS
• repair estimates, invoices, proof of payments, photos of damage

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
• medical records, itemized billing, proof of payments

To help ensure a smooth process of your claim, we highly recommend that you minimize your loss and damages. Also make sure that expenses incurred are not accumulating unnecessarily. 

Please disclose whether this loss has been claimed with another entity such as an insurance carrier. If so, please include name of company, handling claims representative and claim number on your claims form.

If you file a claim with your insurance company, they may decide to file a claim against the City to recover monies paid. You may file a claim against the City for reimbursement of the applicable deductible and/or your out of pocket expenses.